Some people feel that language difficulties can be a reason not to travel, but trying to get by in a country where I don't speak the language is actually one of the (many) reasons I love travelling - the challenge and the fun of it are wonderful and mind-broadening!

In Episode 126 of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast, we cover some of the many difficulties that can arise when there's a language barrier on your travels, along with confessing to some of the funnier language moments my guests, my listeners and I have experienced. A special thank you to members of the Thoughtful Travellers Facebook group who offered up some of their funny language experiences!

First up, I chat with Dean O'Shea who, amongst his many other trips, spent four months travelling around to different parts of China. He explains with some funny examples how "speaking Chinese" is just not a thing: he tried to learn different dialects and languages throughout his trip but was constantly thwarted by language barriers. 

Next I talk to Joanne Karcz who has spent many years learning Spanish. Like all foreign language users she has had quite a few moments where the message she was trying to communicate wasn't exactly what was received - though at least this makes for funny stories in retrospect!

Finally, I talk with Queen D Michele who took on a more serious study of Spanish once she'd decided she was going to move to Mexico to live. We talk about being in the kind of situation where all the learning just flies out of your head - one of many kinds of language difficulties you can have while travelling.

Links:

• Thanks to Awesome Maps https://awesome-maps.com/ - use AMANDA15 to get a 15% discount 
• Dean’s site Unbelievable Adventures - https://www.unbelievableadventures.co.uk/ 
• Joanne’s site Travel with Joanne - https://www.travelwithjoanne.com/   
• Queen D Michele’s book Considerations: A Guide For Moving Abroad - https://amzn.to/2WWjHf0 
• Join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thoughtfultravellers
• Tweet me @amandakendle
• Hashtag #thoughtfultravelpod
• Follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NotABallerina   
• Show notes: http://notaballerina.com/126

Support the show: https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com/

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