Alright SighSee, this has probably been asked before but I need to know too;
How do you get around in a country where you don’t speak the language? English speakers seem like they would have the easiest time, but I can’t really picture myself autistically wandering around and approaching people hoping they know English, I’ve had people tell me they literally just use their hands to sign what they want which sounds even more moronic, and then there’s using your phone or whatever to Google translate but that seems like it comes it with its own risks in poorer/obscure/third world countries and isn’t an option with no wifi around.
So is there a solution here?
you can download the language files to translate a language offine with google translate.
this. and if the local language isn't on google translate then the lingua franca definitely is
99% of communication is nonverbal. I'm an autistic SighSeener whose been posting here since he was 30 years old in 2004 and I never talk to people even in my home country. I get by.
Being a dumb foreigner who doesn't know the language is a blessing in disguise. Let's you get away with shit like this:
first of all you need to physically intimidate them and make it clear you’re not giving them an option in engaging in a conversation with you, they’ll find a way to communicate something you can understand
Some people actually try to cram in as much as they can of the language that’s spoken where they are, which does help, most people will tell you locals of anywhere always appreciate you making an attempt, but yes a lot of people just fumble around and hope someone present speaks English.
just act like a moron Indian who speaks half Hindi half English and nod your head at everything saying yes or okay
1. Buy a SIM card with internet. Fumble your way through this process.
2. Use any number of translation apps. That simple.
>I’ve had people tell me they literally just use their hands to sign what they want which sounds even more moronic
Pantomime is the world's true lingua franca. Embrace it.
I usually just figure out the bare minimum amount of words necessary in the language and speak like an infant
"want. thing. please"
"how much"
and either learn the local numbers OR use fingers OR use a calculator app on your phone (use a physical fricking calculator if you're scared to use your phone, a lot of vendors will have a calculator themselves so they can just type the number instead of trying to work things out with the foreigner)
1. Learn a few key phrases
2. Use Google Translate - I had people in the remote mountains of Peru use it
3. Body language and simple gestures go a long way
So the Google translate thing isn’t just a meme? That’s kinda funny. I imagine it isn’t always accurate and could lead to some confusing moments
you and a local can take turns speaking into it and understand each other, and you can even use the camera function to translate text on signs and menus.
It's not perfect, but it has improved drastically. It is not the meme tier machineTL garbage it was in the 2010s, it's actually pretty accurate for the most part now and will generally get your point across. You may sound a bit awkward/unnatural doing so, but it's enough to be understood.
I find that if I type English in a way that'd be more natural in the target language (as weird as this may sound) I get more intelligible translations, whereas when native speakers type in a way that's natural to them it leads to weird English translations.
just learn the language bro it’s easy
You could hire a guide/translator but most people seem to want to avoid that
Those are really your only options. I do think a lot of people are probably somewhat embarrassed by how they get around in foreign countries though.
Just be you honestly
Use Google Translate. Get a data connection, stop relying on WiFi.
Only eat at places with printed menus, so you can point to the item you want.
Learn the language of the country you intend to visit, then be anti-social and talk as little as possible after arrival. (My favorite option)
no hassle