Trouble With The Language...

[tabby]

Aw, you are all so kind! I wish I had more self-confidence... 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!

All these fears are actually just in the mind. You'll be surprised that when you're in the foreign country, you'll soon realize that all those obsessing about certain things actually don't matter as they rarely even come out during the trip.
Whether you're shy or not, I think it's just natural to feel a bit hesitant as you're going to a country with an entirely different culture, and probably a different language. But that's the beauty of traveling, you'll learn so many things and might even surprise yourself at what you can do while in the foreign country. I'm sure the survival instinct will come in, and what I experience, locals normally are willing to share what they know. THAT said, you should be fine. Don't worry about it.
Oh, from experience, locals rarely ever give much focus on whether your communication skills are good or bad. (I'm sure, they themselves will have the same hesitation as regards speaking the English language. That should level the field.)
But really, don't fret. You should be fine.

 

[jigisha]

India is a huge country with its diverse culture and langauages. But there is only one language that keeps them united, which is english. The national language of India is hindi, yet in some parts of India people don't know hindi but they know english. So anyone travelling to India will not have a language problem if they know even a little bit of english.
Don't worry you'll definitely enjoy your trip to India, a land of beauty!

 

[Rezonate]

I think that's part of the fun in traveling is getting to know part of the language and the culture. I wouldn't be so worried I'm sure you'll be fine With simple gesture with your hands. I'm also pretty sure that some will speak a little english. But if you want you can learn a little Indian before you travel. There are a lot of great books and courses on how to learn the Indian language

 

[Nita]

I think you'll be fine. I have a few Indian friends and they all speak English. I think there will be plenty of people around India to help you out. Don't be afraid to ask.

 

[Cookie]

India is a huge country with its diverse culture and langauages. But there is only one language that keeps them united, which is english. The national language of India is hindi, yet in some parts of India people don't know hindi but they know english. So anyone travelling to India will not have a language problem if they know even a little bit of english.
Don't worry you'll definitely enjoy your trip to India, a land of beauty!

Thank you jigisha! That is partly my worry - that there are a number of languages spoken across the country as a whole. I would try to learn some phrases but I there seem to be lots of languages I'd need to learn them in...and even then I'd be worried that I was using the wrong one.

 

[thedeatheater1410]

No need to be afraid of people! People in India are generally helpful, especially if you are from a foriegn country! I suggest you try to learn a bit of Hindi but even people in villages nowadays know English as their second language. Or at least you will be able to find someone who can translate for you.

 

[rz3300]

When I was over there the people were very very welcoming and accepting of my struggles with the language. Just like any places that you go, they appreciate the effort, and if they see you trying to adapt to their way of life they will make sure that you get what you need. It is the people that assume they will adapt to them that struggle, trust me on that one.

 

[pwarbi]

Just because your shy and might have a problem with the language barrier, I definitely wouldn't let that put ypiboff from traveling to anywhere, and especially not India.

As others have said already, English is quite widely spoken and I don't think you'll have too much trouble making yourself understood. One thing I would say though is at least show that your trying to learn their language, and don't just expect them to start speaking English just because you 'insist' on it.

 

[jnorth88]

The big thing is to not be stressed. Nothing about travel should feel like a burden. You are going to have fun, a wonderful time, and form many great memories. Getting worried about details, the language, or anything else is just going to ruin your time. There are many English speaking Indians. They love tourists and are used to them. And, most of the things you do to get by day to day, buying food, getting transport, are basic in any language, and can be handled without even speaking.

 

[Geena]

I personally don't think language is a problem when it comes to travelling. That would be taking the magic out of travelling for me. It thrills me to be lost in translation because that's when we really put in more effort to connect with one another I think.

But to answer your question, I would say not to worry at all as you'll find so many that can speak English very well. I've also met many who could speak additional Hebrew, Japanese, and French as well.

You're going to be just fine with just English. Trust me

 

[knitmehere]

Something that may help you out a lot is to take someone else with you who might not be as nervous about learning new things. Though you'll be fine speaking just English in nearly all tourist locations, it's always nice to have someone with you who is a little less anxious about things.

 

[Gargi Kale]

Language is not an issue in India. If you are well verse with English then you can easily communicate everywhere. or you can hire Tour Escort or local guide who will explain you all in English.

 

[integrity101]

Many Indians speak English, at least some passable form of English that you can understand, but you won't experience the best of India by confining yourself to an English speaking corner of the diverse country. Get around and learn a few common words and phrases such as "shukran" for thanks and you'll definitely enjoy the trip.

 

[rajesh]

Well, you don't need to be shy at all. Although English is not our native language but I ensure you that you will have no problems communicating here in India because most of the people here know the English language and they tend to speak English with the tourists (specially the travel guides). You can visit India without any language-related troubles.

 

[Maja]

You don't have to worry about learning their language because I'm sure that they'll be able to understand you. A lot of them speak good English so I'm sure that communication will not be a problem. But if you still want to learn some words or phrases, which I think is a good gesture, I suggest that you make sure that the language that you are trying to learn is the one spoken in the area that you'll be visiting.

 

[OursIsTheFury]

Haha well, I'm quite shy too. That's why I plan on backpacking through Europe and Asia next year. To get out of my comfort zone and, hopefully, meet a lot of new people. It's like a fish out of water, but eventually you will adapt to the new surroundings. Why not try learning as you go along your journey? You can't expect to be multilingual in a day. You gotta practice at it day in and day out with someone who knows the language naturally, as I have learned the hard way: you can't truly learn a language if you just base your knowledge on a book or video. You need an actual person to talk to you in conversation using their language, and you do it regularly.