Retire Overseas - But Learn to Speak Another Language Before You Go
Friday, 11 December 2009 09:33 | 
Written by Jackie Collins |
You wouldn't believe how many times people have asked me, "I am considering living overseas after I retire, but my concern is that the only language that I know is English. Should I give up my dream to retire abroad?" Even though I consider this a hindrance there are many who do not see it as such a handicap. If you go into it with a positive view you will discover that you can use English where ever you are. Most countries consider English to be their second language. Even if you only have an English vocabulary, the local people will be glad to assist you with any barrier languages that may exist.
You wouldn't believe how many times people have asked me, "I am considering living overseas after I retire, but my concern is that the only language that I know is English. Should I give up my dream to retire abroad?" Even though I consider this a hindrance there are many who do not see it as such a handicap. If you go into it with a positive view you will discover that you can use English where ever you are. Most countries consider English to be their second language. Even if you only have an English vocabulary, the local people will be glad to assist you with any barrier languages that may exist.
It is said that Francophones are generally less than cordial, especially to tourists who make no attempt to speak their language. Unfortunately, this is a common misnomer; moreover, I have found that the native French are no less friendly than we are. While studying in Paris, all the locals I encountered were genuinely friendly, considerate, and accommodating, which is an experience my friends and children have shared during their travels. During my own adventures in the French capital, I was less than fluent upon arriving but made a genuine attempt to communicate anyway. Even though I struggled with my limited vocabulary initially, making a genuine attempt to interact made a considerable difference in my experience. Imagine my delight when badly botching the language when dealing with a shop owner and his expression of amusement washing over him. This completely debunked the misnomer of Parisian ill-will towards presumed outsiders.
After my first two sentences, the fellow said that I spoke good French with a pleasant accent, and that he was glad to have someone with which to practice his English. I was greatly relieved to find someone with whom I could speak English. I would visit his shop many times for conversations in English and French even when my French had become rather fluent.
When tourists try to speak French, the French people find it very entertaining. International travel is a lot of fun. You get to experience new things and try out different cultures. There are even things for you to experience that you might not be comfortable with but that is what makes the adventure truly memorable. Trying new and different things allows for personal growth and an exciting new experience with tons of incredible memories.
It's frequently helpful for you to get some instruction in the native language of your new nation. It's a sign of esteem for the home residents, and something they will really thank you for. Your consideration will go a long way in making them accept you as their pal.
If you've thought about retiring overseas, but hesitated because you're worried about the language barrier, you might want to think again. It isn't hard to learn another language, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. It isn't absolutely necessary. Retiring overseas doesn't mean you have to speak another language, though I personally would invest the time it takes to learn the language of the country I chose to live in. That's just my opinion, however; you might decide differently.
Living a life as an expatriate can be so much more fulfilling and enjoyable when you can speak and understand the native tongue. When you can speak the native language, you will have a deeper insight into the cultural nuances of the country in which you choose to live. Becoming immersed in another culture can be a very rewarding and fascinating experience. You wouldn't want to miss out on that, would you? If you are living in the country, becoming fluent in the language is much easier and faster.
French was now flowing freely from me, as I was breathing, living, thinking, and even dreaming in the language by the time I left! The flight home provided a memorable experience, as I had to learn to turn off the language I had so recently become engulfed with. When the flight attendant spoke to me in English, I instinctively answered in French. Making the transition back to my native language required me ponder how to translate my thoughts back into English again. This experience still makes me laugh whenever I think of it. I will not soon forget my time in France and becoming fluent in the language only furthered my enjoyment of my time spent abroad.
You wouldn't believe how many times people have asked me, "I am considering living overseas after I retire, but my concern is that the only language that I know is English. Should I give up my dream to retire abroad?" Even though I consider this a hindrance there are many who do not see it as such a handicap. If you go into it with a positive view you will discover that you can use English where ever you are. Most countries consider English to be their second language. Even if you only have an English vocabulary, the local people will be glad to assist you with any barrier languages that may exist.
It is said that Francophones are generally less than cordial, especially to tourists who make no attempt to speak their language. Unfortunately, this is a common misnomer; moreover, I have found that the native French are no less friendly than we are. While studying in Paris, all the locals I encountered were genuinely friendly, considerate, and accommodating, which is an experience my friends and children have shared during their travels. During my own adventures in the French capital, I was less than fluent upon arriving but made a genuine attempt to communicate anyway. Even though I struggled with my limited vocabulary initially, making a genuine attempt to interact made a considerable difference in my experience. Imagine my delight when badly botching the language when dealing with a shop owner and his expression of amusement washing over him. This completely debunked the misnomer of Parisian ill-will towards presumed outsiders.
After my first two sentences, the fellow said that I spoke good French with a pleasant accent, and that he was glad to have someone with which to practice his English. I was greatly relieved to find someone with whom I could speak English. I would visit his shop many times for conversations in English and French even when my French had become rather fluent.
When tourists try to speak French, the French people find it very entertaining. International travel is a lot of fun. You get to experience new things and try out different cultures. There are even things for you to experience that you might not be comfortable with but that is what makes the adventure truly memorable. Trying new and different things allows for personal growth and an exciting new experience with tons of incredible memories.
It's frequently helpful for you to get some instruction in the native language of your new nation. It's a sign of esteem for the home residents, and something they will really thank you for. Your consideration will go a long way in making them accept you as their pal.
If you've thought about retiring overseas, but hesitated because you're worried about the language barrier, you might want to think again. It isn't hard to learn another language, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. It isn't absolutely necessary. Retiring overseas doesn't mean you have to speak another language, though I personally would invest the time it takes to learn the language of the country I chose to live in. That's just my opinion, however; you might decide differently.
Living a life as an expatriate can be so much more fulfilling and enjoyable when you can speak and understand the native tongue. When you can speak the native language, you will have a deeper insight into the cultural nuances of the country in which you choose to live. Becoming immersed in another culture can be a very rewarding and fascinating experience. You wouldn't want to miss out on that, would you? If you are living in the country, becoming fluent in the language is much easier and faster.
French was now flowing freely from me, as I was breathing, living, thinking, and even dreaming in the language by the time I left! The flight home provided a memorable experience, as I had to learn to turn off the language I had so recently become engulfed with. When the flight attendant spoke to me in English, I instinctively answered in French. Making the transition back to my native language required me ponder how to translate my thoughts back into English again. This experience still makes me laugh whenever I think of it. I will not soon forget my time in France and becoming fluent in the language only furthered my enjoyment of my time spent abroad.
About the Author:
Jackie Collins has studied language learning for more than 30 years. She knows it has never been easier to learn a foreign language . So, learn to speak fluently, confidently, and naturally before you retire abroad. Visit our blog and subscribe to our newsletter for more details.