Trouble With The Language...

Cookie

Cookie

Member
So, I'm quite shy. I am really looking forward to visiting India, but I'm stressing about getting by on a daily basis, as I struggle with languages. My itinerary is nowhere near finalised yet, but I'm wondering if I should be basing it on sticking to areas where English is more widely spoken. Is that realistic? It's hitting me just how ignorant I am about India - I hardly seem to know anything about it... :(
 
I am pretty sure that you will be safe by speaking English. Most touristy places all over the world, actually, speak the English language. If you are unfamiliar with it, I doubt you will be wandering off to places that are off the beaten path.
 
I've travelled to a lot of countries around the world where English is not the spoken language. It's not too difficult, really - it's amazing just how far you can get with acting things out in terms of trying to get someone to understand you! Also, I'm surprised at how many people know at least a bit of English, even if it isn't their primary language. I've always been able to be understood enough to get by! :)
 
I don't believe that I've ever travelled where at least someone didn't speak English. But Amelia is right - you can basically communicate by hand and feet. It's a bit of a struggle, but it's also fun. You learn some native words in the process.
 
Dune Dude said:
I don't believe that I've ever travelled where at least someone didn't speak English. But Amelia is right - you can basically communicate by hand and feet. It's a bit of a struggle, but it's also fun. You learn some native words in the process.
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That's right! You do learn a lot in the process of trying to communicate with someone - it's a bit like an impromptu language lesson! And yes, it's definitely fun - challenging, but I've had a lot of laughs trying to communicate certain things to someone when neither of us speak the same language. It makes for some good memories, that's for sure!
 
I've been concerned about this, too, but I believe English speakers have a definite advantage here as most non-English countries speak English as a second language.
 
Jackie said:
I've been concerned about this, too, but I believe English speakers have a definite advantage here as most non-English countries speak English as a second language.
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Not necessarily. I have some German friends who travel worldwide, who don't speak English. I've asked them if they have trouble getting by, and they say, "Not at all!". So, some things are just universal, and you can pretty much communicate your intentions without words.
 
Hey @Cookie I can't tell you enough how fine you're going to be. I had a little bit of that fear as well but it turned out to be great. Indians are also aware of the difficulty in understanding their language. They love to slow down and use gestures if they think you don't understand. English is also very wide-spread so you 're bound to find a guide or someone to help you get the language anywhere you end up.
 
Your shyness is a bit of a problem but not a real problem. When I tried to speak with people who didn't speak any of the languages I did I used hands, objects, paper and pen and whatever I manage to find around me. Since you said you are shy it may not be a solution for you. I am not sure that you will use Indian language for daily routines. It is more likely you will use English because it is wide spread and spoken by majority of people everywhere. Try to communicate and interact with people. From what I heard, people from India are very hospitable.
 
If you take a phrase book and make a point of consulting it then people generally see that you're making the effort to try and will do their utmost to help you. I've had that happen to me in quite a few different countries - to the point where they've taken the book out of my hand to look up how to tell me the answer to my question in English! Or you could always get a translation app on your phone... ;)
 
Dune Dude said:
I have some German friends who travel worldwide, who don't speak English. .
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I'm surprised to hear that. I have family from Germany and the kids all learned English in school. I know all non-English speaking countries don't speak or teach English, but many do. Of course, I wouldn't actually rely on that. When you're going to a foreign country with a foreign primary language, I think you should at least attempt to speak with the locals in their native tongue...
 
I'm a shy person too, but don't allow shyness to keep you away from having fun. You will do just fine speaking english, most people like accents and you can make friends easily but don't allow shyness to make you lonely
 
Aw, you are all so kind! I wish I had more self-confidence... :oops: I'm hoping that going travelling will bring me out of my shell a bit. I need to try and remember that even if people do laugh at my terrible attempts to communicate then it doesn't really matter, I'm not likely to ever see them again!
 
This is a great question. I was wondering if I would have to pick up Punjabi or Sanskrit words and phrases before attempting to go, but from what it sounds like here I would be ok just visiting and speaking English?
 
Cookie said:
I'm hoping that going travelling will bring me out of my shell a bit
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I have ALWAYS been shy, and when I first started traveling with my group of friends, I used to stand back and let them do all the talking when we were in a non-English speaking country. It was only when I started traveling alone that I had to force myself to speak, and it turned out to be really fun! Yes, I did say everything wrong, and people laughed at me now and then, but after they heard me making the attempt they would help me. It's actually a very good way to make friends!
 
I'm not an expert on 'overcoming shyness' but I can tell you that early in my life I was more reserved than shy. I was usually the last to speak and I sat at the back of everything from classes to church. Traveling helped to build my confidence and I know other people who have had the experience of opening up to life and being able to jump in with great things to contribute. Th Indian culture, like so many others, will draw on your inner spirit. You will find yourself just engaging with the people, trying different drinks and foods and even dancing as if nobody was watching you. Travel has many of these benefits.
 
I think India has one of the highest English speaking population in the world. In fact, I read before that almost 26% of its population speak English as their second language. So getting by as a tourist who only speaks English probably won't be a problem as much. I won't worry about sticking to areas where English is mainly spoken. Most of them have a good grasp of the English language anyway. Besides, you can always have an Hindi-English dictionary at hand and use sign language to communicate with others.

And I think, when you're in a foreign place, you're bound to at least lose some of that shyness. You will have to talk to other people especially if you're travelling alone. Though you need to do so with caution, of course. Regarding not knowing anything about India, that's why this forum is here for us! You can learn a great deal of information about India here. Good luck!:)
 
When I was there a couple of years ago speaking English was pretty easy to get away with, so if you are shy about learning a new language and do not want to come across as a certain sort of way then I think you should be fine. I did happen to be with someone who spoke the language though, so that might have given me a sort of safety net that most people do not have that allowed me to free up some worries though. I am pretty sure that you would be just fine.
 
I know a lot of people from India and most of them speak really good English. I don't think you'll have any problems there speaking English. If the person you're dealing with doesn't speak English I'm sure that another person will and can help you out.
 
India is a country where English is widely spoken. So language is not going to be much a problem for you. You will find someone or the other who can communicated in English.
 
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