Show respect, and you will notice a difference in how you are treated as you travel the world.
I recently returned from Southeast Asia. Once again, it was proven to me that learning the courtesy words in the local language matters.
Knowing how to say ‘hello’, ‘please’, and ‘thank you’ shows respect for the local people wherever you travel. It is appreciated, and sets you apart from other tourists.
I first became aware of this when I traveled to Europe. I said “Danke”, “Dekuli-eh”, and “Kuzenem” as often as I could remember them. (Thank you.) The people would smile back, appreciative of my effort.
The older Hungarian woman who sold me fresh paprika in the town of Szentendre laughed at my poor attempt to thank her. She spent a few minutes helping me with the accent. It was a fun interaction. Hungarian is the toughest language to learn of any I’ve encountered in my travels so far.
Common phrases are worth learning as well
Knowing more of the common phrases, such as ‘where is?’ And ‘good morning’ is also appreciated. Not enough people know them. Trust me, the cook working the omelet or fa station at your hotel will appreciate your attempt at “Chow boy son,” or “ArUn sos-tay.”
I noticed that while other guests had to go get their omelets in Ho Chi Minh, mine was brought to my table. I would say “Cam oon.” Thank you. Always followed by a little bow from the cook. I’m no VIP, I can’t think of any other reason for my omelet delivery. I didn’t hear anyone else try to speak Vietnamese.
With today’s modern technology, there is zero reason not to learn the courtesy words wherever you go.
Install Google Translate on your phone. Make a quick notepad file, and spell the words phonetically. You can do it on the plane. It takes so little effort, and will add to your experiences.
As a solo traveller, the use of basic courtesy words has started conversations that have led to travel tips, free drinks, and even dinner companions, as ‘table for one’ can become boring and lonely.
You don’t have to pronounce the words perfectly. The attempt is enough, and if you butcher them badly enough, the local people will smile and correct you. I find asking how to properly pronounce ‘please and thank you’ to be a great conversation starter.
I am a proud Canadian, but I don’t need to wear a flag all the time. Red is not my colour. My accent does not immediately set me apart, as it does for the many British and Australian tourists I’ve met.
Learning the courtesy words helps distinguish me from other tourists. It’s funny how that works, but it’s the truth. After I use the courtesy words, I am often asked where I am from. I had confused people who assumed I was from the United States.
Not to disparage my American friends, but some of their behavior shows why Americans don’t have the best reputation as tourists. I heard two people (From New Jersey and Florida) in my tour group complain that the people did not speak enough English. We were in Prague!
Be like Anthony. A traveller, not a tourist. Courtesy words matter!
I should make a note to the late Anthony Bourdain. I remember hearing him say ‘Please and thank you’ in the local language while watching his shows. It was part of his mantra: “Be a traveller, not a tourist.” That has become my mantra as well. Anthony was from New Jersey.
(I’d be curious to hear about other travellers’ experiences with language. From reading the articles published in Globetrotters, I believe many of those writers, including Americans, also learn the local courtesy words.)
I learned basic German and Dutch phrases, and had them on my phone before I went to Europe last summer. I was going to spend a lot of time in those countries after my tour of Imperial Europe. It seemed like the obvious thing to do. I want to be a good traveller, and show respect for the people and places I visit.
In some places, English is spoken very well. In Vienna, better English is spoken than in the province of Quebec. While in Munich, I wondered why I had bothered to download ‘Google Translate — German’ into my phone. Same in the Netherlands. No knowledge of Dutch is required, but the courtesy words are still appreciated.
The farther you go from any city, the less English is spoken, and some grasp of the local language is required.
I found this to be especially true in Southeast Asia. Venture out in the country and the amount of English spoken drops considerably, and many speak none at all. Point and use the courtesy words, and you will be okay. Pull out your phone and use the translate apps.
We have the technology, use it!
Even in big cities like Hanoi, Phnom Penh, and Bangkok, some street food vendors spoke very little English besides the most basic words required to serve you. Fortunately, pointing is a universal language. Even better, help them out by using the translation apps available.
Their food was amazing, and one way or another I was going to indulge in as much as I could. When I return to Bangkok next winter, I will learn much more of the Thai language so I can properly interact with the people.
I use Google Translate a lot. An incredible travel tool. I have typed things out and shown the translation to people so we could converse. If you see people trading a phone back and forth, that could be what is happening.
I quickly grew tired of lemongrass. It is a staple of Asian cuisine, but I find it too strong. My pallet was very thankful to learn how to say ‘no lemongrass please’: “kmean sloekrai som” in Khmer (Cambodia), and “mimi tak-rye prOd” in Thai. The server would suggest items accordingly. They would always help me out.
I urge anyone travelling abroad to learn the local courtesy words. It will set you apart, and shows you respect the people who live there. After all, we are visiting their country, it’s the right thing to do.
As a Canadian, I put 2 ‘L’s in travelling. It’s not a type-o!
For more of my travel stories, I post them here and on medium.com/globetrotters
