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Some expats believe that it is not necessary to speak or understand the host country language. This is partially true, as it is really possible to have a nice and comfortable life without having to speak local language. In most parts of the world, English will do just fine.

Nevertheless, not being able to understand or speak local language may influence the quality of everyday life, in many ways. If you plan to stay in your host country for a longer period of time, if you wish to be accepted in you local community and take an advantage of the opportunity to learn more about local culture, habits and people, understanding the language is quite important.

There are many reasons why expats should learn the host country language, and here are some:

Being able to better understand the culture

Knowing the language will enable you to have a greater insight of the local culture. You will understand the way people talk to each other and the way they address one another. You will be able to recognize minor things that make a big difference in the language and culture as well. Moreover, being able to speak and understand the language will give you an opportunity not only to ask what you don’t understand but also to actually understand the environment that you are now a part of.

Making friends or improving your relationship

If your partner is local, being able to speak his/her language will significantly improve your relationship, and you will get an opportunity to learn more about a person you are in a relationship with, but also to express opinion, impressions or feelings in the way that he/she will better understand. Furthermore, you will get an opportunity to make new friends and integrate easily into society. You may have a lot of expat friends, but if you are in emergency situation in the middle of the night, your next door local neighbor may be the only person that will be able to help you.

You will never get lost again

In foreign countries, you will notice that there are almost no signs in English – they are all in local language. Attempting to explore the countryside, or even to go to the restaurant in the unknown neighborhood, may be rather confusing and you can actually get lost. Even if you try to ask for directions, there is no guarantee that you will receive accurate explanation in English. Knowing basic directions in local language will definitely save you from stress and unpleasant feeling of not knowing where you are or how to get back home. And, one more tip: always carry a dictionary and a map with you.

Increasing your chances of employment

Regardless of whether you are seeking for a job in international or local company or organization, knowledge of local language is always a massive advantage. For example, if you are an English teacher, local language will enable you to communicate better with parents (if teaching children) and will also create a greater bond with students. If you are a company employee, it will give you a great opportunity to speak more with local employees, which can be very advantageous in terms of improving the corporate culture. Regardless of whether you already have a job, or still looking for employment, knowledge of local language will always be considered a great plus.

Decreasing stress

Your local colleagues keep talking in their language to each other, and it makes you nervous for not being able to understand them? Some people even get paranoid thinking their coworkers are talking about them. Some expats may feel uncomfortable in such situation, even though, in most cases there are no reasons to feel unpleasant, as people usually talk about ordinary things. Still, if you really feel bad not being able to understand such discussions, learn the language!

Learning foreign language can actually be real fun, especially if so many people around you speak that language. Living abroad is a lifetime opportunity to gain extra knowledge, and what can be easier than learning a language which you can practice in every day situations.

Reference:

thethailandlife.com