British travellers at risk of misusing hand gestures while abroad

At i-interpret4u we know from our past research that at least one third of British travellers use hand gestures to try and communicate when holidaying abroad, which is why we were interested in the latest report conducted by Trip Advisor on the misuse of hand gestures abroad.

Most of us at one point or another might have innocently used a hand gesture abroad, only to receive a look of bafflement – or worse we might have caused a grave offence to a local?  In fact 60% of us apparently admit to doing this.  Even though some of us take time to do our research before we go abroad, most of us don’t and we might not even give this a second thought.

The survey asked almost 4,000 travellers to identify what certain hand gestures mean.  Over 80% of Brits surveyed were oblivious to the fact that the ‘sign of the horns’, widely adopted by rock music fans and formed by extending the index and little fingers while holding the middle and ring fingers down with the thumb, is in fact a highly offensive gesture in France, Italy and Spain.

On the other side of the coin, while almost three-quarters (72%) of Brits find an open hand with the palm facing out aggressive, dismissive and assertive, nearly a third (31%) of Italians think it is a friendly gesture and over a quarter of Spanish (27%) see it as calming!

The results showed that other Europeans may be unwittingly offending Brits with their hand gestures. One in ten respondents in France (11%), Italy (12%) and Spain (11%) did not recognise the two-fingered salute as an insulting gesture.

Interesting stuff and it makes you think twice when making hand gestures in countries where you aren’t sure of what it might mean.  You could find yourself in hot water!

 

Language barriers could be making life harder for Brits who unwittingly break the law when overseas

The Foreign Office (FO) has this week warned British travellers to check international laws before they travel to overseas destinations.  The new warnings come as the FO is concerned that laid back Britons see their passport as a ‘get out of jail free’ card even though unwittingly breaking the law abroad could result in a fine or even an arrest.

Interestingly it’s not the more obvious laws that we should be worrying about.  It’s the more obscure, odd laws that could catch us out and land us in trouble.  For instance, did you know that it’s illegal to wear camouflage clothing in Barbados, or that you will be arrested if you attempt to feed pigeons while in Venice?  If you’re caught eating or drinking near churches in Florence you’ll also find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

It’s probably true that most of us don’t think about researching local laws before we travel abroad, the same goes for local traditions and culture, add to that the potential language barrier most of us face when travelling overseas and it’s no great surprise that we are prime candidates for unwittingly breaking laws abroad.  In some locations there may even be adequate signage or notices to warn you of illegal practices, but if you can’t read the language, you’re none the wiser.

But it’s not just about researching laws; that can be time-consuming if you don’t know what you are looking for; in fact there are so many laws you could be researching forever before you find something relevant to your trip.  Attempting to learn a bit of the local language before you travel may also only go so far in helping.  But should you find yourself in deep water it could make all the difference if you are able to communicate with the local police or authorities to at least explain the situation and if nothing else, to better understand why you are being accused of breaking the law and what your next steps should be.

It’s vital to remember that laws and customs can vary greatly from country to country and what might be perfectly legal in the UK, could mean a jail sentence in another.

 

1.8 Million Brits expected to flock abroad this bank holiday weekend

As the final bank holiday of the year falls upon us, ABTA has launched findings this week that 1.8 million Brits are expected to head abroad this weekend in search of sun and relaxation.

The great British summer (despite its heat waves during July and August) has not deterred people from heading across the water to foreign destinations.  Are we heading off in search of new cultures, global exploration or simply to experience somewhere new?  No.

Where will we head to then?  No great surprises here if our past blogs are anything to go by; Spain remains the most popular overseas destination for us Brits to hang our ‘sun-hats’.  This is closely followed by the Balearic and Canary Islands (both with their Spanish influences and warm climates).  And, you’re not going to believe this but Barcelona is the most popular choice for city breaks this bank holiday (Spain again?)  Yes, it seems that Spain is the winning choice for so many ‘home-comfort’ searching Brits. Clearly we all yearn for somewhere warm but with the security of English-speaking people and cuisine we know and trust – we all know what paella looks like; sorted.

But don’t forget, travel five or ten minutes out of the tourist-rich destinations and you’ll probably find that most locals don’t speak a word of English – so it might be time to brush up on your Senorita’s if you plan to take the plunge and move away from the hotel poolside at any point.

But we like to think that one size doesn’t fit all.  There must be some travelling adventurers left out there?  And we don’t mean bungee jumping in Mexico or white water-rafting in Iceland either; we’re talking about the section of the population who simply like to visit new places, learn about new cultures and see a bit of the world.

Heathrow will be the busiest airport this weekend with around 425,000 passengers jetting off on their overseas travels, closely followed by Gatwick and Luton airport.

Brits enticed into moving abroad following ‘summer holiday’

A new survey from a holiday lettings company has found that 3 in 10 Brits have looked into moving abroad following a summer holiday where they have fallen in love with the country.  Whether they are browsing estate agent windows, have looked into the cost of living or even searched for jobs in the destination of choice, many are hooked on the idea of life overseas.

Around 1 in 10 are said to have actually made the leap to moving abroad following a holiday.  This has left us wondering what makes people fall in love with the idea of a life abroad?  It’s easy to fall hook, line and sinker for a destination when you are on holiday, no worries about work, money, school or daily chores.  But the reality is quite different when it becomes ‘home’ and a regular routine so people should really think seriously about this before making such a life-changing commitment.

Interestingly the most popular places for a permanent move are Spain followed by our neighbour, France.  Then the US makes third place followed by Australia and Italy.  Spain and France still have the comfort of not being too far afield, we expect most people will speak English (so languages aren’t a problem) – in fact, that may not be the case at all but still the assumption is there; equally with Italy.  And then you have our ‘language buddies’ the US and Australia – no need to brush up on your language skills there (as long as you know your ‘Sheila’s’ from your ‘good’day’s’ of course).

Maybe languages do play a factor in destination choice as well as closer destinations where the flight home to visit family isn’t quite so expensive or time consuming.  Either way, the lure of a life abroad continues to be popular with many.  We can’t help thinking that more of us should branch out a little further and start considering and visiting other destinations for our new lives abroad – maybe they aren’t the obvious choice, but if you don’t open your mind to the possibilities of the big wide world, you might be missing out!

Creature Comforts Abroad – good, bad or plain ugly?

We were interested to read an article this week in The Independent, which suggested that British holidaymakers should not expect their home comforts when holidaying abroad and that they need to drastically rethink their mind set.  Equally, the article suggested that foreign tourism boards also need to stop catering to people who simply refuse to step outside of their comfort zone.

The reality is, many British travellers are guilty of this syndrome.  It’s the fear of the unknown; anything different puts the fear of god into many of us.  It’s probably the reason why countries like Spain and France are still amongst the most popular holiday destinations with Brits.  As long as we’re just hopping over the channel and not going too far afield, we can rest safe in the knowledge that if we want to eat a good old ‘English breakfast’ or indulge in the safety of foods and brands we recognise, we can (not to mention talk to the locals, because hopefully most of them will speak English).  It’s all about home comforts, feeling safe and secure.  But that goes against everything that foreign travel is supposed to be about.  It should be about exploration, adventure, new experiences and diverse cultures.

Instead of worrying about whether somewhere will be different to our own country we should be embracing this.  Trying to fit in with the local environment wherever you travel is a key element of travelling.  So too, is the exposure to new ideas, greater perspective and a desire to challenge the way you normally think.

So why are the great British public so keen to take their own culture with them when they go on holiday abroad?  As the article goes on to mention, holidaying in popular ex-pat destinations like Spain has become increasingly like visiting a sunnier Britain with no need to utter a word of Spanish.  Probably true.  Will it change? I doubt it.

On that note, we’ll leave you with the thoughts of Telegraph journalist Jem Collins:

“If your cultural values are so rigid you refuse to accept anything other than Earl Grey and fish & chips perhaps you should rethink your choice of holiday destination. I’ve heard that Devon is quite British…”

Holidaying abroad: fun in the sun or daylight robbery?

As expected at this time of year, the last few weeks have seen many headlines connected with summer holidays abroad as we Brits lay down our towels on the sun beds and prepare for a week or two of fun in the sun.  For the most part, that’s what we expect and that’s what happens.  But stories of Brits falling ill or becoming injured abroad have left many of us concerned and bewildered as we learn that some hospitals overseas are turning people away who don’t have adequate travel insurance, or indeed are stitching people up with huge medical bills which they were completely unprepared for.

 

Being unable to speak the language doesn’t help either.  It’s also fair to say that in some cases, the ability to communicate at the point of needing medical care/an operation could well give the British traveller a greater sense of control of the situation, or at least give them the information they need to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with treatment or seek further advice before they are presented with a fat invoice.

But extortionate medical bills are only part of the story; there are many more ways that language-phobic Brits could find themselves being unwittingly ripped off this summer.  Problems with language barriers could also lead to being ripped off by a local taxi driver, ordering the wrong meal in an expensive restaurant or even being over-charged for goods in a shop - if you can’t communicate, you’re at an immediate disadvantage and it also means you’re an ideal target for rip-off tactics.

How can you avoid this?  There are no guarantees you can, but doing your research and ensuring you’re better-prepared than usual for any trips abroad this year and beyond is a good place to start.  Learn a few local phrases in advance of taking a holiday, take a good phrasebook, have your wits about you at all times and use your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.  If necessary, use an experienced interpreter to communicate on your behalf should the need arise; and remember that communication is power.

Car problems abroad?

The number of Brit holidaymakers who plan to take their car abroad over the next 12 months has apparently increased by a third in just three years, according to new research this week from Sainsbury’s Bank car insurance.  The report claims that around 8.5 million Brits plan to drive abroad this year despite the probability that many will inadvertently break the law if they don’t know the rules of the road in the country they are visiting.

 

Researching and understanding some of the common road signs is quite important if you plan on driving in an unfamiliar country.  Many of the signs are quite different to the UK versions and can be confusing for the occasional traveller.  Of course, researching some of the local phrases of the country you are visiting is also worth doing if you hope to understand what certain signs say – they won’t all include imagery, some will be text only and if you can’t read the language this could cause problems such as getting lost, taking a wrong turn and driving onto dangerous/hazardous roads or even misunderstanding warnings about the environment/wildlife etc.

Motorists should also be aware that countries have different legal requirements in terms of what a motorist should carry in their car too – so it is always best to look this up before you start your journey

Of course, when you take your car abroad, there are some situations that you can’t plan for quite so easily.  What if you breakdown, have an accident or need road-side assistance?  Even worse, what if you need to call the emergency services?  Do you even know what number to call?  Could you explain to a breakdown recovery company what has happened to your car and where they should pick you up?  You may be lucky enough to be connected to someone who has a good understanding of English, but this may not always be the case. 

Always ensure your accident/emergency road-side cover is up to date, but also prepare for the worst too – imagine being stuck in an unknown location, unable to communicate in the local language.  What could you do in advance to prepare or make your life that little bit easier should such a situation arise?  Yes, you can research some phrases, you could even make sure you have access to a personal telephone interpreting service should you need to speak to someone who doesn’t speak English, and you could ensure your car is kitted out correctly with emergency supplies. Remember, you can’t just pop home if an issue occurs.  You might have the most reliable car in the world, but what’s the bet it chooses your foreign holiday location as the prime time to roll to a halt?

Making the ‘leap’ towards a new life overseas

We noticed an interesting article in the Daily Telegraph (4 July) which looks at the many aspects associated with starting a new life abroad.  The article goes on to say that an increasing number of Britons are choosing to leave UK shores and head off for an adventure overseas in search of higher wages and a better quality of life.  Surely this can’t just be down to the poor English Summer we’ve been having of late?

Research has shown that the majority of people (58%) make the choice to move abroad for work-related reasons.  Yet surprisingly just under half of these actually have a job to go to, suggesting that moving abroad is as much about the idea of exploration, new life chapters and perhaps unpredictable changes, as it is about stability?  Other main reasons for moving abroad are retirement and buying property.  The most popular destination is Australia closely followed by New Zealand; the comfort of English-spoken countries can provide a much-needed ‘blanket of security’ at a time of upheaval, but equally we may be missing out on many other incredible destinations if we allow language barriers to hold us back.

Recent headlines show that the job market in the UK is improving but on the flipside 7 in 10 expats have found that they can earn more money working abroad so it’s no wonder the allure of overseas destinations is becoming more appealing to us Brits.  But amidst all the excitement of starting a new life in another country, The Telegraph does well to remind us that it is vital to be well-informed about your chosen destination before you make the decision to live there.  Gaining insight and advice from those who have previously lived abroad is invaluable.  It’s not just enough to take a short holiday somewhere and decide it’s the place for you because living somewhere, is very different to taking a holiday there. 

You want to ensure that you settle into your new life quickly and easily, whether than means considering local schools if you have children, health care, visas, language and cultural diversity and more.  Making the right choice is essential as mistakes can prove costly not just from a financial perspective but from an emotional one too – moving to a new country is a big step so researching the ins and outs is critical.

9,999 FREE annual subscriptions to personal telephone interpreting service i-interpret4u – yes, really…

In celebration of the summer holiday season (now in full swing), i-interpret4u has allocated a whopping 9,999 FREE annual subscriptions which are now available to take advantage of via its latest Twitter campaign.

It’s very easy to ensure you don’t miss out on the ability to communicate in 85 different languages wherever you are in the world, and at the very point you need to.  Simply search for i-interpret4u on Twitter (www.twitter.com) @iinterpret4u, hit the ‘follow’ button and retweet (RT) any of the FREE subscription ‘tweets’ which you will find on our tweets home page.  It’s as simple as that.  Following this, you’ll receive your unique account number and access code via a direct message, including a web link to register your account.

There is nothing to pay for your FREE annual subscription that is worth a generous £10 each, the next 9,999 people to register online at www.i-interpret4u.co.uk with their unique account number and access code, will find themselves in possession of this great summer travel offer.

We expect this promotion to be very popular as this new service will provide travellers with the ideal ‘language buddy’ for their foreign travels for the next 12 months – so don’t delay, follow us today.

Happy holidays!

About i-interpret4u (www.i-interpret4u.co.uk)

i-interpret4u provides an easy to use, personal telephone interpreting service for those facing a language barrier whilst living, travelling or doing business overseas.  The service connects users to live, qualified and highly experienced interpreters in 85 languages, 24/7, often in less than one minute. When face-to-face with a non-English speaker the service can be used from a landline or mobile using a speakerphone, or, by passing the handset back and forth.  i-interpret4u can also assist users in setting up a three-way call to a non-English speaker worldwide.

 

A range of pay plans are available to suit individual needs, calls are charged by the second for the time that the interpreter is on the line and an entry level subscription of ten pounds will allow users access to the service. Smart phone users can also access the service and manage their account via the free iPhone or Android app.

Language barriers vs. reliable medical care abroad

An interesting blog title to say the least; particularly as the two elements don’t really seem to fit together all that well, if we are to take note of current headlines over the last couple of weeks.

First we had shock reports which told us horror stories of British holidaymakers who were being ripped off by some Spanish hospitals charging extortionate amounts of money for medical treatment that should be free. Then worse still, Britons are alleged to have been turned away from A&E if they didn’t have adequate travel insurance in place.  Next, came the consumer research that the top fear for Brits travelling abroad is ‘getting ill and ending up in a foreign hospital’ (understandably, given these stories). But most recently we read quite a shocking case (in the ‘wave’ of real-life example stories linked to this subject). This story was about a British citizen who fell ill while travelling in Italy with early signs of pneumonia and was subsequently stung with a huge medical bill for hospital care that they were led to believe would be at no additional cost (or at least, they understood this to be the case).

Interestingly, this story also told of a difficulty with the language barrier – namely that none of the doctors and nurses at the Italian hospital in question, spoke a word of English.  But this is one element of the story that is no great surprise to us here at i-interpret4u.  We know it to be true that once you move outside of the usual tourist hot spots the chances of communicating with locals who speak English is much less common. 

With that in mind, it’s no wonder people struggle with communication in foreign hospitals.  Unfortunately, in this kind of situation it is vital that we are able to understand what is happening to us.  The issue of medical treatment, operations, medicine, allergies and of course, the resulting bill – are all aspects that we’d benefit from being 100% clear on from the very start.  At the time, had the traveller who ended up in the Italian hospital been able to communicate with the doctors in a common language, it would have avoided much, if not all of the misunderstanding which caused the situation in which the varying parties find themselves currently.

Ending up in a foreign hospital tops the list of fears for Brits travelling abroad this season…

During the last week or so the newspaper headlines have reported that hard-up hospitals in Spain are either turning British patients away from A&E if they don’t have adequate travel insurance or indeed are stinging UK citizens for health treatment which under EU reciprocal arrangement via the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)) should be free of charge.

We’ve been naturally quite drawn to these recent stories and it does suggest that some hospitals in Spain are more concerned with money than medicine.  Sadly, UK taxpayers, who have the misfortune of falling ill while on holiday and worse still, ending up in a foreign hospital and needing treatment, are being ripped off with huge medical bills.

It’s probably no great surprise then that a new piece of travel research commissioned by i-interpret4u, discovered that ‘getting ill and ending up in a foreign hospital is the single biggest top fear for Brits when travelling overseas.  These findings are indeed reflective of recent headlines.

A nation of worriers – our research also confirmed that 83% of UK holidaymakers confirm they do worry about going on holiday abroad leaving just a very small proportion of us (17%) completely at ease with the idea. Respondents were asked to name their top three fears when holidaying abroad – the majority of people cited getting ill and ending up in a foreign hospital as their biggest fear.  In second place was the prospect of losing your passport, followed by losing your luggage as the third most popular answer.

Dealing with scenarios like these while abroad are always worrying, you’re miles away from home, you don’t speak the language, often you don’t truly understand the culture.  To make matters worse, hospitals in Spain and many other countries are trying to survive in a struggling economy and tourist hot-spots like this that are popular with Brits put us directly in the line of fire from a cost point of view.  Add to that the language barrier and the scenario becomes all the more complex for even the most seasoned traveller to deal with.

 

Brits get stung for hospital treatment in Spain

The Daily Express covered an article this week which revealed that hard-up hospitals in Spain are stinging British people for health treatment that should be free, it says this is because Spain's crumbling economy is being destroyed by its doomed membership of the Eurozone.

The article continues to say that as a result, sick, injured and frightened British tourists and expats who have the misfortune to need emergency treatment while abroad are being swindled by hospitals that are more concerned about money than medicine.

Apparently the first question you're likely to be asked in a Spanish hospital is not "Where does it hurt?" but "Tienes seguro de viaje?" - do you have travel insurance? Answer “no” and you could be off to another hospital in a taxi - at your own expense of course. Evidence has also shown that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) we're told to take abroad with us means nothing in a Spanish A&E.

This story left most of us at i-interpret4u wondering how many of these medical incidences could have been either avoided or indeed dealt with in a more cost-effective and efficient way (for both the traveller and the insurer) had the British traveller been able to communicate in Spanish at the point of arrival at the hospital – and perhaps even prior to that?  How many operations or treatments actually take place as a result of misunderstandings or through lack of coherent communication?  The numbers of cases are probably in their hundreds.  Indeed how many British citizens get stung with huge personal hospital bills because they don’t understand exactly what treatment they have just agreed to?

It’s worrying enough to become ill or injured while you’re on holiday, but ending up in a foreign hospital hundreds of miles away from home and the safety net of the NHS, is something that we’d all rather avoid.  Add to that the language barrier and you might as well have landed on Mars. 

 

Englishisms dans la France – so to speak

A bit of light humour for this week’s blog entry – we were amused by the BBC’s recent article on Englishisms in France, meaning the way that certain English words or phrases just get dropped into conversation or onto street and shop signs which blatantly don’t fit with the French language.

This article was spurred by a row over plans to teach some courses at French universities in English – some French citizens and defenders of the language of Molière were said to be outraged by the suggestion – yet the BBC remind us that plenty of French people habitually sprinkle their speech with Franglais.

The article shared some readers favourite examples of this – our favourites are: talkie-walkie (the equivalent of walkie-talkie in French) – genius!  Also the phrases: “faire du shopping" and "le booze-cruising” another couple of classics.

On a more serious note, interpretation of language can be a tricky thing.  There are so many different accents, dialects and idioms – not to mention accidently using a word in English that has a completely different meaning in another language but sounds similar (known as a ‘false friend’).  Then you have speech impediments and other language-related obstacles to consider too.  All of these elements can really get in the way when it comes to making sense of other languages, and indeed communicating with locals while overseas.

The idea of dropping a sudden English word into an obvious French phrase might seem amusing (and in many cases it is) but it can also help us British travellers massively when it comes to deciphering other languages.  Just giving us that hint or little inkling of an English word could be the answer to our prayers should we find ourselves in the middle of an area where no one speaks English (which is not uncommon – even in France, although some might not believe it).  Head out of a tourist area and you will find that most people don’t speak English at all.

In this situation, feasting your eyes upon a sign saying ‘Le Snack Bar’ or ‘Le Check-in’ at the local airport might just be what you needed to see!

Moving abroad: considerations for expats, or not?

This week, A Place in the Sun published an article offering five steps for successful moving abroad.  Those tips included, making the decision to go (obviously); doing your research – citing insurance, learning about new currency, seasons, what clothes to wear, type of food, transport and of course, language barriers as the key areas.  The move itself was mentioned as a tip (saying your goodbyes, getting over the culture shock etc.) Then, upgrading your lifestyle once settled into a routine and finally, direction – whether or not you stay in that country or decide to move to another one.

Clearly moving overseas is a big decision, not one to be taken lightly and therefore trying to fit even a fraction of the considerations into one article is no easy task.  But we have to question some of the observations behind this list of tips, with the last two surely being irrelevant in the scheme of things.  If you’re thinking of moving abroad, it’s all about what is happening right now, it’s the immediate things you need to deal with – rather than over planning the future (which you can face later).

Aside from making the actual decision (which is surely a given otherwise the article is pretty much redundant from the start), we would agree that doing your research beforehand is probably the biggest and most sensible tip of all.  It’s an absolute must, if you’re considering taking the plunge, uprooting the family and travelling to a new country.  There are many references to the prospect of ‘culture shock’ that many people will need to overcome.  Indeed it remains the biggest reason that people end up coming back home having decided that they miss their ‘home country’ too much. 

How can you help yourself? Try making friends with locals as well as people from your own country.  There is a tendency to veer towards others who are English too, but it won’t help you to experience new cultures and traditions.  To feel properly at home, you need to start integrating yourself into the local community by being open to new conversations and possibly facing up to your language demons.  Many locals you meet won’t speak a word of English, so communicating will be a challenge in itself – but embracing this rather than avoiding it could help you on your journey to fluency or at least prepare you for how you might attempt to communicate in the future.  Either way, you’ll soon know if it’s the right location for you or not.

Lights, camera, action for i-interpret4u

You probably will have noticed that we don’t spend that much time on our blog talking about
our personal, telephone interpreting service i-interpret4u.  We usually focus on topical stories, advisory hints and tips and general talking points to keep our readers engaged.  But this week we couldn’t resist sharing some exciting news with you.

i-interpret4u experienced its TV debut last week as it aired at 9pm last Tuesday evening on the John Scott Show, The Holiday & Cruise Channel, Sky channel 284.  Our resident language expert, Michael French, took to the couch and engaged in some thought-provoking discussion with a rather jolly John Scott in a rather colourful shirt, who quizzed him on the issues associated with language barriers abroad.

Michael gave some great hints and tips for British travellers (and avid cruisers alike) on how to cope in certain scenarios, shared some real-life experiences and also explained to viewers how to use the new, affordable i-interpret4u service should they encounter a language barrier overseas and need to communicate in real time.

If you’re travelling overseas this year, cruising or not – it’s worth taking a look if for nothing else than to get a bit of helpful advice.  Click on the link below – you can watch episode 6 on the website and Michael is the first guest on the show so no waiting around either…

 

Happy viewing!

 

http://www.holidayandcruisechannel.co.uk/the-john-scott-show.html

Are language difficulties putting UK students off from studying abroad?

Research this week from the British Council (which has been tracking the opinions of international students since 2007), has posed the idea that many students in the UK are being put off from studying abroad because they are worried about language barriers. 

Students often look upon the decision to study overseas as a way of travelling the world.  It is the whole cultural experience of living and studying overseas that makes this way of life so appealing to most students – and remains a popular reason for choosing this route to further education.  But ironically, the wealth of different languages spoken across the world is surely a big part of what makes travelling abroad such a ‘cultural’ wonder; remove this and you remove the authenticity of the experience.

It’s well documented that the skills gained whilst studying overseas can develop and expand a student’s abilities and credentials, making them more attractive to potential, future employers – which in a market over-crowded with jobless graduates has to be a differentiator. 

For students worried about language barriers, it’s all about learning to live with the fact that you can’t speak every language. With the best will in the world you might attempt to brush up on a few phrases, but in reality, you’ll need to live in the chosen country for quite a long period of time before you move even half-way toward fluency.  But there are other ways to communicate while you are abroad and you shouldn’t let these concerns override the fantastic opportunities that living and studying abroad can provide.

Cost was also cited as another prime concern for students studying overseas along with oversubscription to certain institutions and a lack of diversity of courses.

Choosing a holiday destination that will capture your child's imagination...

As the British weather finally looks like it might be taking a much-needed U-turn, people are hopefully starting to get into that Spring/Summer mood.  Dreams of beach holidays and exciting travel plans are on the horizon for many as May/June will see many thousands venturing overseas for warmth, relaxation and adventure.

But for those with young families the prospect of travelling abroad can be daunting to say the least.  As a result, many parents find themselves opting for countries closer to home (if not within the UK itself) such as Spain, France or the Balearic Islands where most people in the resorts speak English and the areas are well-populated with British tourists/restaurants etc. But such ‘closed’ views of travel destinations mean that children could be missing out on lifetime travel adventures and experiences to inspire and capture their imaginations (elements of learning which are so vitally important for early year’s development).

So, why not skip Menorca or Malaga this year, and instead brave it and take them on a trip of a lifetime?  Whether it’s heading to the Grand Canyon, the Galapagos Islands or parts of Asia and Africa – these are trips that change lives.

Travel is the best way to learn about the world around you and its varying cultures, languages and traditions – you may even hear languages that are spoken in a different way than what you might have seen on TV.  Being able to communicate with people in other languages is also a great way to get a real insight into what it is like to live in that country and indeed, advice on must-see places that you should visit from a local’s perspective.

Choosing the right holiday destination takes a bit of careful consideration and planning, but try to find a common ground or particular interest with your child i.e. do they love marine life, are they interested in sculptures or archaeology?  Travelling further afield should be an exciting experience and with proper planning and preparation your child will learn about the colourful and wonderful world we live in.

France is ditched by British holidaymakers in favour of other European destinations

New research from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) as highlighted in The Guardian this week, reported a drop of one fifth of British visitors travelling to France on holiday over the past four years.  In 2008, 10.9 million Britons went on holiday to France compared with 8.8 million in 2012.

 

 

Other statistics from the ONS also reported that, holidays to Spain and France account for one third of trips abroad taken by British citizens, which is pretty significant.

There are likely to be a number of reasons for the above figures, the Olympics, Golden Jubilee and the wettest April on record made 2012 a rather different year from a travelling perspective.  But, it’s probably more to do with the financial crisis and the unfavourable exchange rates – it might be just across the water, but France is certainly not considered to be a cheap place to holiday.

It’s still quite surprising in 2013 that the closer destinations (Spain and France) account for such a high proportion of Brits travelling abroad.  This gives the impression that many of us aren’t as adventurous as we could be when it comes to planning our holiday destinations.  The comfort blanket of plenty of English-speaking locals, the option of a good scattering of English-style pubs/bars and restaurants (should we be aiming to avoid any cultural/traditional cuisine) all adds to the ‘safe’ feelings of going on holiday.

 

But it’s a big wide world out there.  It would be nice to see the great British public indulging in a few more adventurous trips – whether it’s to experience new cultures and climates or simply to break away from going back to the same old holiday resort year in, year out.  Take the plunge and release the explorer in you – we believe it’s in there somewhere!

Top reasons why it’s pretty cool to communicate in other languages:

As we near the end of April is spring finally here? Are the warm summer nights just a stone-throw away?  Who knows?  But one thing that is for sure, next month will be a hugely popular time of year for many Brits as they start jetting-off to warmer climates and the holiday season gets well and truly underway.

So if you’re thinking of going overseas this year but like most of us British folk, you can’t speak an array of languages, you may think that the opportunity to communicate with locals abroad is pretty slim, or challenging to say the least.  But, what if it wasn’t tricky, what if you could? How cool would it be if you could speak to people you meet in other countries and have a proper conversation in real time even though you can’t speak the language?

Personal telephone interpreting allows you to have an affordable conversation in real time and in 85 languages - and the beauty is, you don’t need to understand one word of the language.

 

Top reasons why we think communicating in other languages could be a pretty cool thing to do:

 

1.    The possibilities for holiday romances are increased ten-fold!  How many relationships never get off the ground due to language barriers?  You can always learn the language later on if he turns out to be Mr Right - but you might miss out altogether if you can’t strike a conversation or find some common ground in the first instance!

2.    How many times have you been on holiday and felt that you haven’t truly experienced all that the country has to offer?  Perhaps you only visited the heavily populated tourist spots and dined in the British-friendly restaurants?  But what about the real culture of the destination – did you see any of that?  Having the ability to communicate in another language means you can strike up a conversation with a local, get chatting, ask for advice about the area, tips on the best rural restaurants to visit that will give you a real taste of the local cuisine, where the best beaches and unspoiled spots are etc. Nobody will be able to give you better first-hand insight than someone who lives in that location.  It could open up new experiences and make your holiday that much more exciting than it otherwise would have been.

3.    If you’re backpacking or planning on an adventure trip overseas, how useful would it be to have the chance to properly negotiate good room rates in hotels and hostels?  You could also get help and information from locals along your journey when you have questions or don’t understand something related to the culture, law etc.  You could visit local restaurants with menus written in the native languages and still understand exactly what you have ordered for dinner (no nasty surprises!) 

4.    Have you always dreamed of working overseas?  Fancy being a travel rep, working in a beach bar or are you planning to set up a business abroad?  If you could have conversations in 85 languages as and when you need to, this would certainly increase your chances of success, no question.

5.    Our last cool reason has to be the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.  How many friendships never start due to a language barrier?  It’s good to talk, so get talking! 

The humble pictograph – could it lead to the death of learning a foreign language?

This week The Telegraph published a story citing that using pictographs to combat the language barrier could lead to the demise in learning a foreign language.  It states that linguists have constantly attempted to simplify communication between cultures saying that this system (the use of images) can already surpass language barriers and communicate information.  According to some linguists, this trend is set to increase and many predict that pictographs will be the future of language.

The article then poses the question: if we can reduce language barriers in everyday situations, to what extent do we reduce the incentive for language learning? If we can navigate a foreign place with signs and pictures, doesn’t language study become a waste of time?

An interesting topic indeed; it’s certainly got our thoughts racing here at i-interpret4u.  But our view of the above is this: people have always used sign language, people have always used images and, people have always used speech to communicate.  This is nothing new.  The suggestion that an increase in the use of the pictograph will lead to a decline in the learning of languages is a non-starter.  There are already substantial statistics out there and physical evidence available (in the shape of recent language department closures across many universities) to support the fact that there is a big decline in the numbers of British people opting to learn a foreign language.  But is this really a revelation?  Brits are notoriously well-known for being rather laid-back when it comes to learning the local lingo overseas.

The idea that pictographs surpass language barriers may be true in some cases, but certainly not in all.  Like the classic ‘phrase book’, the pictograph serves a purpose if you want to know where the nearest restroom is (providing the sign is in sight of course).  What it can’t do is overcome a language barrier from a conversational point of view.  Nor can it overcome a language barrier if you find yourself lost and in need of directions from a local, or you lose your passport and need to speak to an official.  The article suggests pictographs will reduce language barriers in everyday situations but surely the above are also everyday situations?  The truth is, any of these scenarios and more, could occur at any point.

In conclusion, does reducing the language barrier mean that learning a language is a waste of time?  Well that’s not for us to say; there are arguably many valuable skills to be gained from increasing your linguistic aptitude.  But in our opinion, anything that helps to overcome a language barrier is a positive thing.  The fact is, Brits aren’t renowned for learning languages and this won’t change (pictographs or no pictographs).  So it makes sense that there are a number of different tools available out there to make communicating abroad easier no matter what the situation.

 

UK holidaymakers are missing out on certain holiday destinations

Despite many of our idealistic dreams of basking in the sun under palm trees, kicking our feet across sugar-sand beaches and dipping our toes into turquoise waters, more than one in ten of us have missed out on visiting a particular holiday destination because of a language barrier; that is according to new research from Skyscanners.

It’s no great surprise that many Brits don’t speak a foreign language, but what is surprising is that many people are letting this affect their holiday plans, which means they could be missing out on some amazing experiences worldwide.

In fact this recent survey backs up our own independent research conducted in March of this year, that confirmed that almost a quarter of Brits have never been to a destination where they don’t speak the native language and some of those would avoid visiting a country altogether for this very reason.  So it seems that some people are letting their fear of being unable to understand another language control their choice of holiday destination.

Interestingly, although the most commonly learned second language in the UK is French, it’s actually the country that is most avoided by British travellers according to Skyscanners’ research.  So perhaps the reasons for choosing certain locations aren’t quite so black and white?  It’s possible that deep down these people do want to venture further afield but if the language barrier is holding them back, a visit across the Channel to France is perhaps no more adventurous than a more ‘comforting’ trip to Wales or Scotland?

Perhaps we should all follow in the footsteps of the Welsh population, who have been cited in this survey as the most confident travellers in the UK and are the least likely to allow the language barrier to impact their travel plans.

Brits on holiday – ‘The stress factor’

This week, a new travel survey has discovered that Brits are among the most worrisome when it comes to organising a holiday with almost 50% confessing that it really stresses them out.  For almost a quarter of British travellers, preparation, planning and booking is the source of great stress, from the more serious issues such as budget restrictions to the more practical – i.e. what clothes to pack.

Unsurprisingly, losing travel documents is reported to be one of the top concerns for two thirds of Brits, followed by packing the right items namely having enough pairs of ‘shoes’ was cited as a prime concern for 23% of British women (proving the female penchant for an abundance of footwear remains ‘up there’ in the list of top priorities).

One finding that did stand out to us here at i-interpret4u, was the number of British holidaymakers (over a quarter), who said that falling ill while abroad is a main concern.  To be honest, it’s no great surprise that people worry about being poorly overseas; the change in climate, water and diet can wreak havoc for many and the prospect of seeking medical attention in a country where you don’t speak the language can be daunting to say the least.  Add to that the worry of being away from home and the safety of your own doctor’s surgery, it’s no wonder the whole thought fills us with dread.

How can you avoid it? The truth is you can’t.  You could try all of the usual recommendations and avoid seafood, ice in your drinks, lying out in the sun for too long; but you could still become ill regardless (and nature has a way of bestowing these experiences upon us at the most inconvenient of times).  The best we can do is to be prepared. 

 A well-stocked first aid kit is a must, access to plenty of drinking water, adequate travel/health insurance should you need urgent medical attention in hospital while overseas and the ability to communicate in a given language, should the need arise.  When you’re poorly the last thing you need is something else to add to your stress, knowing you can describe your symptoms, how you feel as well as any allergies, family history etc. could be just the peace of mind you need.

Studying abroad – location, location, location: it’s a tough decision

The decision on whether to study in an English-speaking country versus a more remote, far-reaching destination, where numbers of English speakers are in the minority, is something that every student has to face at some point.  Studying overseas in a country known for its high levels of English-speaking locals can serve as a comfort to some who are braving life abroad for the first time.  For most, it will be the first time they venture abroad without their parents. 

Of course, the chance to study in more exotic locations around the world can be just as appealing for those with a greater sense of adventure and the aspirations to experience new, diverse cultures and languages as part of their educational journey.  But such a decision also brings with it an element of caution and possibly even fear of the unknown.  Studying in destinations where English is not the common language can be daunting and for some, it is simply too far removed from their everyday life to even contemplate.  As such, many students will opt for the comfort of a world not too dissimilar from their own.

Those who take the plunge and stray further afield are to be applauded and encouraged; it’s a big decision and one that takes a lot of planning and research to ensure they are adequately equipped for the challenges that may present themselves; not to mention the high probability of encountering language barriers along the way. But as long as you plan for these scenarios and ensure you travel as safely as possible, experiencing new languages and cultures can be really exciting.

A recent survey however, found that simply not getting enough information is one of the main barriers to studying abroad today.  Less than half of the 11,000 British students surveyed claimed to have sufficient information to make the right decisions about where to study abroad, even though it is one of the most important choices they will ever make.  But interestingly this sounds like a familiar tune; Brits are notoriously laid back when it comes to learning languages, communicating abroad and certainly when it comes to doing the ‘boring’ research bit up front.  But as we all know, preparation is everything, and making sure you have enough information to make an informed decision on where to study abroad, is no exception.

An emergency abroad and can’t communicate? Not a worry for 90% of Brits

What’s really surprised most of us here at i-interpret4u when we recently surveyed over 1,000 UK travellers, was the number of people who are completely oblivious to the dangers of being unable to communicate abroad in an emergency situation.  Unbelievably, only 10% of people cited this as being a primary concern when coping with language barriers abroad.

Now, we know that Brits are a little laid-back when it comes to learning foreign languages, and we know that for many, the thought of learning one is probably of little significance in our day to day lives.  But one thing we can confidently say is that we’re a cautious bunch (aren’t we?)  Most of us would never dream of leaving our English pastures without adequate travel insurance, sun cream to protect our skin, somewhere secure to store passports and important documents; nor would we hire a car without the right vehicle insurance (safe car seats for the children) – to be fair, most of us wouldn’t even leave without packing a pair of sunglasses and a sun hat etc.

But despite this, and the fact that we love our families, children and elderly relatives very much, we don’t worry about the possibility of communicating overseas should, heaven forbid, an emergency strike.

Why?  In our blogs we always seem to harp on that Brits make assumptions about the number of people that speak English abroad – and although this may well be true, it can’t be the only reason we don’t consider such a situation.  It’s becoming clearer that we really need to start raising this issue of language barriers and educating people on the very real risks associated with this.  After all, you never know where and when an emergency will occur, how can you plan for it?  The truth is you can’t, all you can do is take preventative steps or measures to ensure you have a ‘way out’ should the unavoidable happen.