Normally I give advice to others when I write. Not today though.
Instead, I am giving myself advice. It’s important to refresh my brain, and writing this post is a good way to keep me focused with the right mindset.
Write now, as I am writing this article, I am on the first of my two flights to Munich. After spending four days there, my wife Kim and I will be heading to Italy for the remainder of our honeymoon.
We’re beyond excited, as you can see. But now it’s time for me to give myself some tips for connecting with people in foreign countries and making the best of my time.
1. Learn the few basic, common questions and statements in the foreign language.
Of course I would love to be fluent in German and Italian, but that’s just not practical for me. I rarely travel to Europe and if I am going to spend any time learning a foreign language, it will be Spanish since I can decently speak it and use it much more frequently.
That being said, it’s important to learn a few basics in the local tongue. Here are some prime examples:
- Hello – First impressions are critical wherever you are. Greeting people in their language shows that you are putting some effort in to find common ground and meet them on their playing field.
- Do you speak English? – I don’t want to be the typical American who thinks that everyone should speak English. Even though my ultimate goal is to speak English with them so we can effectively communicate, I need to show them that I respect the fact that they might not speak English. I want them to see that I put the effort to communicate with them on their terms. This helps build commonality, respect and trust.
- Thank you – People do nice things all the time. Maybe they hold a door open for me, they serve me my food and drinks, or they say something nice to me. Regardless, I need to be able to say thank you. I never want to let a good deed go unthanked.
And here are a few others:
- Where’s the bathroom? – It’s not going to help me connect that much better with others, but it’s definitely a good one to know. The last thing I want is to be unable to find a bathroom.
- Another drink please – For the times when I’m having fun and want to keep the flow going 🙂
I’m sure there are a few other helpful phrases and questions to learn, but these I find to be most critical to me.
2. Be Friendly and Curious
I need to continue to have a curious mindset throughout this trip. There is so much for me to learn about these countries and cities, and the best way to learn about them is through the local people.
Many people love to talk about themselves, their lives, and their culture. I just need to give them the opportunity and show them that I am truly interested in it. So it is on me to start conversations and ask questions. I can even start a conversation like this, “Hello. Good afternoon. Do you speak English?” If they do, great! I can ask them where or what to eat, ideas for things to do, or even ask personal questions – how long they’ve been here (they could be foreign or traveling too), if they like it, etc.
As long as I keep this mindset, along with some upbeat and positive energy, I should have some really enjoyable and interesting conversations. I can’t wait to learn more about these places!
3. Adapt, but Be Myself
Like I said earlier, it’s great to learn some of their language and show respect to their culture and way of life. To connect with people, it is critical to find commonalities. But I can’t completely give up who I am to try to be like them.
I need to be myself. I need to let my quirks, habits and personality shine through. I can’t be afraid to be an American from Southern California. I shouldn’t pretend that I don’t know much of their language. I will try to do what I can, but I will own that that is all I know.
I just need to make sure that I am showing respect and curiosity throughout this process. Otherwise I may come across as ignorant and arrogant. Something I’m definitely not going for.
Although I don’t have any examples for this, I think that I know what I need to do. I just need to keep this mindset during my interactions, and I should be good.
Recap
To recap, I’m going to:
- Learn and practice a few key phrases and questions in both of the local languages.
- Be friendly and curious, and try to keep an upbeat and positive energy.
- Adapt to the culture, while keeping true to who I am and what I believe.
If you think you have any other good, basic tips, please let me know! I will be checking my emails throughout the trip.
Danke, and Gratsi.