Retire Overseas - But Learn Your New Country’s Language Before You Go
Posted by Jackie Collins | Filed under Reference & Education
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.
The French, for instance, have a reputation for being aloof - particularly with those foreigners who refuse to attempt any exchange in their beautiful language. I disagree. I’m sure that, as anywhere, there are those who are friendly and those who aren’t. Back when I was a student, I lived in Paris for a while and found the Parisians I met to be quite warm and welcoming. My kids and their classmates feel the same way. I spoke little French when I arrived, but I used it as much as possible right away. That show of goodwill made all the difference. Naturally, I hesitated and stammered quite a bit as I tried to make myself understood. The shopkeeper grinned at my obviously amusing errors.
I’d only spoken a little, but the man flattered me about my accent, saying he enjoyed my spoken French. Then he told me he could manage English and was glad to be able to practice it on me. I felt relieved that somebody could speak English to me. I then went to this man’s shop often for great talks in French and English, even after I’d gotten better at speaking French.
It can seem daunting to push the envelope and travel to a foreign land where your native language isn’t the first language. It does take a spirit of adventure, but the leap is well worth it! Try just a few words in another tongue. The French, for instance, are very happy to see you trying to speak their language. Just the attempt makes you more of a friend. Then you’ll get to try different customs, ideas, and activities that will broaden your horizons and personally enrich you. This is the best kind of education]
It is always beneficial to learn to speak the native tongue in a new country. It is a demonstration of respect for the local inhabitants, and one they truly appreciate. Your thoughtfulness will do wonders for your acceptance as a friend.
If you balk at the thought of retiring overseas because of the language barrier, this is something you may want to reconsider. It is relatively simple and inexpensive to learn another language. Retiring overseas doesn’t absolutely require you to learn to speak another language, but personally, I would make a determined effort to speak the language of a country I was going to live in. But, that’s me.
You will enjoy living in another country much more if you can speak and understand the locals’ language. You’ll be able to understand the details of the culture much more easily, and it can be fascinating and enjoyable to become part of a different culture. It’s an experience you shouldn’t miss. It’s much easier to learn to speak another language if you live in a place where that language is spoken.
By the time that I left, I could speak, think, live, and even dream in French. When the flight attendant spoke to me in English on my Air France trip home, I responded in French without thinking about it. It took a serious effort to speak in English again, with mental translation because I was still thinking in French. I laugh when I remember that conversation. I reveled in my time in France; I delighted in it much more because I learned to speak the language.
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 proficiently, confidently, and naturally before you retire overseas. Visit our blog and subscribe to our newsletter for more details.
Tags: learn a different language, learn a foreign language, learn a language, learn a new language, learn another language, learn to speak a new language, living overseas, Reference & Education, retire abroad, retire overseas
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