Most travelers agree that they should learn a few words of the local language before a trip, but far fewer actually do it. According to Preply’s newly released data, 80% of responding Americans said learning the language is important, 58% follow through, and 40% cram on the plane.
Learning a language for travel doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Learning local greetings, please and thank you, and “do you speak English?” will cover most of your necessary interactions with locals. Travelers could learn these phrases in a weekend!
It’s useful to pick out phrases related to what you’ll do while traveling. If you’re going to enjoy the local cuisine, learn to ask for the bill and pronounce popular menu items. About 35% of Americans who are jabbing at words on the menu instead of speaking to them lacked only about ten words that would have cleared things up.
The benefits of learning some local languages are clear! 54% said it made navigation easier,, and 47% said locals treated them better for trying the language.
infographic by: preply.com
