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Step 1: Consider Your Destination
- Where are you going? English uses a Latin alphabet- if the place you're visiting uses the same letters, then you can learn phrases both by listening to and reading them.
- Keep in mind that even if the alphabets are the same, pronunciation will vary between languages. Listen to phrases carefully to make sure you pronounce them correctly!
- If you are traveling to a country that uses a different writing system, learning phrases phonetically is the best bet.
- You can still study phrases written out in a romanized script.
- Not knowing the native alphabet will restrict you, as you will not be able to read signs. Refresh your knowledge of international symbols!
Step 2: Assess the Purpose of Your Trip
- It's better to memorize a few key phrases than try to cover every situation you'll encounter.
- Consider your personal situation. For example:
- If you enjoy eating out, concentrate on phrases useful in restaurants, like "The bill please" and "I'm vegetarian."
- If you love shopping, learning how to ask how much something costs will be useful.
- If you're going to be traveling using local transportation, like trains, subways, and flights within a country, being able to understand and ask for directions will greatly improve your chances of successful navigation!
- If you're on a business trip, knowing greetings and introductory phrases will be most helpful.
- Keep in mind that key phrases like "Hello," "Please," "Thank you," "Yes," "No" and "Where is...?" are always helpful!
Step 4: Study Your Phrases
- Study your key phrases for at least a few minutes each day.
- Create flashcards for your phrases, with the foreign word on one side and the English translation on the other.
- Put the cards in your purse or briefcase and look at them whenever you have a spare moment.
- Stuck in traffic or waiting on line? You can study your cards!
- Listen to your basic phrases at least once a day. Doing this a month before your trip is better than trying to learn everything the day before.
- Listen to your phrases as you work out or commute to work.
- Practice saying your phrases aloud.
- Record yourself to hear how you sound.
- If you're traveling with family or friends, go over your new words and phrases with each other.
- Pick a few key phrases to memorize. Popular phrases include:
- Hello.
- Nice to meet you.
- Good-bye.
- Please.
- Excuse me.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- My name is...
- Where is...?
- Where is the bathroom?
- How much is...?
- Do you speak English?
- I don't understand.
- The bill, please.
Step 5: On Your Trip
- Purchase a phrasebook to take with you. That way you will be able to refresh your memory on your trip, as well as have access to more complex phrases you haven't learned.
- Practice what you know wherever and whenever you can on your trip.
- Do not let fear of making a mistake keep you from talking!
- Carry a phrasebook or translator with you.
- If the person you are talking to does not understand, show her your phrasebook or have him listen to your translator.
- Keep in mind that people will appreciate the effort you are making to speak an unfamiliar language!
- Where are you going? English uses a Latin alphabet- if the place you're visiting uses the same letters, then you can learn phrases both by listening to and reading them.
