Comments on: Improve Your Travel Writing by Learning a New Language

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:09:28 +0000

Thanks to everyone for the great comments! As Kim pointed out, “slang” terms may have a different meaning in another language. It’s possible that there isn’t a translation for them.

I’m reminded of what I was told when I volunteered to help out at the International Children’s Games in Cleveland, OH a few years ago. Watch your use of “hand gestures.” Giving the thumbs up sign which means “ok” or “way to go” in America could be a sign of profanity in another country.

By: Kim Palacios

Kim Palacios — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:52:55 +0000

I am a linguist by training (my love for travel and, subsequently, my travel writing can be partially attributed to the years I spent living abroad to study languages for my degree), and I agree that there is immeasurable benefit to speaking as much of the language as possible.

In addition to being a gesture of good will and enabling richer connections with local people, knowing a bit of the language provides cultural clues that non-speakers miss.

For example, what does it tell you about Germans that the slang word for “wuss” or “coward” is “Handschuhschneeballwerfer”? Literally, this means “a person who wears gloves while lobbing snowballs” (get it?). If you just went for the dictionary translation, the logic behind the meaning would fly right over your head…

By: Dave and Deb

Dave and Deb — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:04:35 +0000

I have often wondered if those Rosetta Stone books worked, now I know because hey, I trust you guys. Thanks, I might look into them when in the future. In the meantime, i am heating to MyItchyFeet. Thanks!

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By: Trisha

Trisha — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:24:47 +0000

Great review Rebecca!

I just found out that Donna Hull of MyItchyTravelFeet.com is giving away a copy of Rosetta Stone – but if anyone is interested you’ll need to hurry – the contest ends on Thursday Sept. 3rd – be sure to read the contest rules too:

http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2009/08/27/learn-a-new-language-with-rosetta-stone/

By: OnThaRoadAgin

OnThaRoadAgin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:13:36 +0000

Leaning a new language can be invigorating. It challenges the mind and comes in handy when you travel. Rosetta may somewhat pricey, but it could be a worthwhile investment.

By: Bill Chapman

Bill Chapman — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:57:33 +0000

Learning Esperanto certainly can enrich your experience when you are on your travels. Although it has a relatively small number of speakers, they are widespread, and there is a network of Esperanto-speakers willing to meet and help visitors.

I’ve made a lot of use of the language. I recommemnd it.

A good place to start is http://www.lernu.net