A human connection - whether it’s brief and in passing, or deeper and more lasting, is a wonderful side product of travelling in another country. Those connections help us learn so much more than a guidebook or top ten list can ever tell us, and are often the most memorable parts of a trip. Sometimes a language barrier prevents this connection and so in Episode 277 we talk about the ways knowing a local language, whether just a few words or fluently, can make a huge difference to the quality of your experience.
As well as fabulous anecdotes shared by members Anuj, Justin and Carolanna, members of the Thoughtful Travellers community, I also speak with three guests. Eliza Raymond summarises perfectly how a common language is so connecting, and then James Patterson gives a great example of learning some words of local language during his stays on Orkney. Finally, Kayra Martinez, who’s spent a lot of time studying many languages, discusses the value of language learning not just amongst travellers but amongst refugees as well, in the context of a northern Greece refugee camp where she’s spent a lot of time working. Throughout the episode I also make mention of some of the academic research on the topic, carried out by Portuguese researchers.
Links:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
250 Making Friends Through Podcasting
249 The Dangers of Elephants
248 Studying in Other Countries
247 Benefits of Family Travel
246 James Mwenda: Deep Dive Into Thoughtful Travel
245 What Does Thoughtful Travel Mean?
244 Transport Glitches
243 JoAnna Haugen: Deep Dive Into Thoughtful Travel
Book Club 12: Couchsurfing in Iran by Stephan Orth
242 Meeting Kind Strangers
241 Emotional Travel
240 Behind the Scenes Again
239 Street Art and Murals
238 Travel for a Sporting Event
237 Being a Tourist at Home with Jenny Herbert
236 Covid Thoughts from Western Australia in May 2021
Book Club 11: Wild by Cheryl Strayed
235 Travel Slip Ups
234 Cultural Blunders
233 Studying Abroad
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