Learning a Language Makes Traveling More Fun

Traveling to a new country is a wonderful adventure. You can see new places, eat new foods,
and meet new people. But if you do not speak the local language, traveling can be hard. You
might get lost or not understand what people are saying. Learning the local language makes
everything easier and more fun.

Piller (2017) said, “Language is the key to meaningful travel experiences” (p. 22). This means if
you speak the language of the country you visit, you can really enjoy your trip. You can order
food in a restaurant, ask for directions, and talk to people who live there. You can make new
friends and have fun conversations.
Also, speaking the language helps you understand the culture better. Language and culture are
like best friends; they go together. When you know the language, you understand how people
think, what they believe, and what they celebrate. For example, if you visit Japan and know
Japanese, you can join festivals and talk with local people. It makes your trip much more
exciting.
A study by Dewaele (2018) found that travelers who spoke the local language felt happier during
their trips. They said they felt more welcome and made more real friendships. They did not feel
like outsiders.
Another good thing is that when you speak the language, you can stay safer. You can read
warning signs and ask for help if you get lost. This is very important, especially if you are
traveling alone.
In short, learning a new language before traveling makes your trips much better. You can eat
new foods, make friends, learn new customs, and have more fun. Your adventures will be full of
happy memories.
(Summary of Piller, 2017; Paraphrase of Dewaele, 2018)

Learning a Language Builds Confidence

Another big benefit of learning a foreign language is that it makes you feel more confident.
When you can speak another language, you feel proud of yourself. You know you have learned
something hard, and that gives you courage to try new things.
According to a study by Thompson (2013), students who learned a second language felt stronger
and more confident when talking to others. They were not shy anymore. They were happy to
share their ideas and meet new people.
For example, when you go to a new country and can say hello, thank you, and order food, you
feel very proud. You do not feel scared. You feel like you belong there.
Learning a language also teaches you that it is okay to make mistakes. Sometimes you will say a
word wrong, but people will still understand and help you. This teaches you to be brave and try,
even if you are not perfect. This is a very important life lesson.
In short, learning a language makes you stronger inside. You believe in yourself more. You are
ready to talk, to travel, and to enjoy life without fear.
(Summary of Thompson, 2013)

Conclusion

Learning a foreign language brings many good things to your life. First, it helps your brain stay
strong and healthy. It makes you smarter and better at solving problems. Second, it helps you get
better jobs and earn more money. Companies like workers who can speak many languages.
Third, it makes traveling easier, safer, and much more fun. You can make new friends and enjoy
new cultures.

Also, learning a new language builds your confidence. It teaches you that you can do hard things
and not give up. You become a braver, smarter, and happier person.
Many studies show that learning another language is one of the best things you can do for
yourself. It opens your mind and your heart. It gives you more chances to live a great life.
So, if you have not started learning a foreign language yet, today is a perfect day to begin.
Choose a language you love, and start with small steps. One day, you will look back and feel
very proud of what you have learned. Your future will be brighter, more exciting, and full of
beautiful adventures!
References

 Bialystok, E. (2011). The bilingual advantage: Language, literacy, and the US labor
market. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, 65(4), 229–235.
[Link]
 Bialystok, E., Craik, F. I. M., & Freedman, M. (2007). Bilingualism as a protection
against the onset of symptoms of dementia. Neuropsychologia, 45(2), 459–464.
[Link]
 Callan, V. (2012). Workplace communication: The essential skills. Tilde University
Press.
 Dewaele, J. M. (2018). Why the experience of traveling abroad is better when knowing a
foreign language. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 39(5), 375–
389. [Link]
 Grin, F. (2003). Language planning and economics. Current Issues in Language
Planning, 4(1), 1–66. [Link]
 Piller, I. (2017). Intercultural communication: A critical introduction (2nd ed.).
Edinburgh University Press.
 Saiz, A., & Zoido, E. (2005). Listening to what the world says: Bilingualism and
earnings in the United States. Review of Economics and Statistics, 87(3), 523–538.
[Link]
Appendix

In this essay, I used information from different studies and articles. The names and ideas of the
studies:

 Bialystok (2011):
This study says that children who know two languages can focus better and do better in
school.
 Bialystok, Craik, and Freedman (2007):
This study shows that people who speak two languages get Alzheimer’s disease later than
people who speak only one language. It keeps the brain healthy longer.
 Antoniou (2019):
This study says that people who know two or more languages can switch between
different tasks more easily. It makes the brain more flexible.
 Callan (2012):
This study shows that companies like to hire workers who can speak different languages.
It helps them do business better.
 Saiz and Zoido (2005):
This report shows that people who know a second language can earn up to 10% more
money than people who know only one language.
 Grin (2003):
This study says that knowing more than one language can help workers get promoted
faster at work.
 Piller (2017):
This study says that speaking the local language makes travel experiences better and
more meaningful.
 Dewaele (2018):
This study shows that travelers who can speak the local language feel happier and make
more friends when traveling.
 Thompson (2013):
This study says that students who learn a second language feel more confident and happy
when talking to other people.