Even with the best preparation, a lot of expats struggle with their integration into a new place especially if they don’t speak the language.
In this first part of our new series on living abroad, we are going to explore the different language issues and include tips from experts to help make your integration easier.
Moving to another country away from your friends and family is not easy, but to make your change in a new community easier, learning as much as you can of the language beforehand is essential. A great tip is to be open to new opportunities. Accept invitations and hang out with new friends who speak your new language. You’re more likely to pick up the more colloquial way of speaking to help you fit in better. Socialising will help you to discover places in your new city.
Another thing that helps is listening to music or watching movies in the language you want to learn. Start by watching your favourite movies with subtitles, and then try to watch them without it. This way, you will get use to hearing the language and will feel less intimidated when you’ll have to speak. Most people are put off by trying new words because they are worried they are pronouncing them wrong; listening to the language will help build your confidence.
Be curious! Find out what the lyrics of a song mean in your own language. You can be really surprised sometimes!
Don’t ruin your chances of ever settling in by falling to learn the language; this will make you feel like an outsider. People living abroad with limited language skills can’t expect to fully fit into their new community and creating relationships with the locals may be more difficult. Learning a new language is not an easy task but your effort, time and investment will be well worth it when you feel at home in your new environment.
Liz Rowlinson, editor of A Place in the Sun: “Trying before you buy, learning the language and making efforts to integrate are top of this list.” (Free tickets to the A Place in the Sun Live exhibition that is taking place at NEC Birmingham on 28th–30th September for Cheapflights users)
Gregory Hubbs, Transitions Abroad: “Learn as much of the language as possible before you go. You will learn more quickly while there, but knowing the basics is a great foundation. Locals will greatly appreciate your respect for their culture and you will be able to ‘fit in’ far more easily.
“Do not remain in the womb of the expat community if possible. Try to engage in cultural immersion and ‘hang out’ with the locals as much as possible in order to fully appreciate their culture, language and rituals. You will be respected for doing so.
“Be observant. Seeing the way people live and interact, the way in which they indicate respect for each other, their food, and their culture is the key to having a sense of how to fit into a new culture.”
Eloise Horsfield, Reporter, The Olive Press: “It may sound obvious, but many expats have no grasp of the local tongue even after years of living in another country. Taking the effort to learn just a few words makes a huge difference. Not only does it improve interactions with locals, it also increases the range of services on offer and generally gives expats a richer experience of their host country.”
Erin Porter, Easy Expat: “Research, research, research. The more you know about what you are getting into, the better you can prepare. Obtaining knowledge about cultural norms, visa procedures, and studying the language can be started before you depart your home country.
“Also, have the flexibility to know that rarely do things go according to plan. At least if you know what to expect, you can make the best of any situation.
“And then do! You’re never going to be perfectly prepared, so don’t be held back by fears and insecurities. Moving abroad is a great adventure. With the right mind-set, it can be the best move of your life”.
For more tips on living abroad visit Steppes Travel.
(Image: woodleywonderworks)
