# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> General Travel Prep

How to Learn a New Language When Traveling

Throughout travel you can learn a new dialect or language by making observations around you. Most people try to learn the language before making the trip, but it can be easier when you can interact with locals who are fluent in the native tongue. You can use a variety of tools to learn foreign language while traveling abroad. Most you can find when in the country of choice.

Instructions

- 1
  Download a podcast to your mp3 player with a lesson to listen to when traveling between cities while abroad. You can listen to people speak the language and repeat the words if you are in a quiet, personal setting. The more you listen to the language, the easier time you will have translating or speaking it.
- 2
  Pick up a phrase book at a book or travel store for the language native to the country you are visiting. When ordering food or asking for directions, use your phrase book to speak. This will help you learn basic words, questions and commands.
- 3
  Speak with locals even if it's small phrases or words. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. The more you speak the language, the more you will learn. Locals will help you if you ask them to tell you what words mean or how to say things in their language.
- 4
  Purchase newspapers and books written in the native tongue when traveling. Use a dictionary that translates between English and the language to read the material. It may be difficult with different verb conjugations, but basic words you can learn this way.