like a local
As the world becomes more global, it can be easier to write off learning a new language. Lots of people just assume they can default to their mother tongue or to English and get by just fine. While this might be true in really “touristy” cities like Paris or Berlin, speaking the native language in a country will provide you with an experience that you can’t get any other way. If you don’t believe us, we came up with a list of the top reasons to learn the local language of the place you visit.
- You will be able to go off the beaten path. Big tourist attractions are usually popular for a reason. They are famous, historical, and exciting. However, they also come with a host of long lines, expensive entrance fees, and lots of people trying just as hard as you to pretend they are holding up that huge monument. Speaking the native language allows you the freedom to explore other parts of big cities where fewer English speakers are likely to live. It also allows you to travel to smaller cities and converse with the locals, which in our experience is a lot more fun and gives you a truer sense of what the culture is really like.
- You can make new friends. Since the members of our UpVerb team all speak at least two languages fluently, we totally get how cool it is to be able to whip out another language and really get to know someone in their mother tongue. Our travels have taught us that nothing (no museums, huge towers, impressive buildings, etc.) can even begin to give you the same memories as sharing a glass of local wine or a coffee with a new friend that you’ve made simply by speaking their language.
- You won’t get lost. Better yet, you can get lost if you speak the local language because you will understand things like road signs, how to ask and follow directions, and how to find the tastiest restaurants in town.
This list doesn’t even begin to cover all the amazing experiences at your fingertips when you learn a new language, and each experience has an excitement of its own. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started today.
