CC BY
42ФИЛОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ НАУКИ
THE ROLE OF ENGLISH IN TRAVELLING Saparbaeva G.M.1, Abdullaeva N.F.2, Bobozhonova Yu.I.3
1Saparbayeva Gulandom Masharipovna - Senior Teacher; Abdullaeva Nodira Farhodovna - Student; Bobozhonova Yulduz Igorovna - Student,
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT, FACULTY OF FOREIGN PHILOLOGY,
URGENCH STATE UNIVERSITY, URGENCH, REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN
Abstract: there are a lot of great reasons to learn English and the pros that come from speaking English when you travel are many, varied and valuable. In so many parts of the world, English is the 'international language' — although it may not be the language that is native to, or most commonly spoken in a particular country, English is most often the language that travelers share and local people use when communicating with visitors. This article discusses these problems.
Keywords: travel, learning, international, native language.
Here we take a look at six of the greatest advantages of speaking English when you travel:
1: Ease of making bookings. As so many travellers will testify, being able to quickly and easily make reservations and other bookings is critical to the success of your adventures. Needing to spend time, effort and possibly money on translations and explanations can be stressful and is simply not effective. Having studied English at an English language school ( Australia is home to many excellent schools and colleges), you will have a fabulous foundation from which to perform critical tasks when travelling, including ordering food and booking accommodation, as well as finding and checking into your lodgings.
2: Express what you want. When you are a proficient speaker of the English language, it is much simpler to ask for what you want and explain your preferences. For example, expressing yourself through the English language can make it far easier to
59
ask for food to be cooked the way that you desire, an air conditioned room or recommendations for sights and adventures most closely aligned with your interests.
3: Meeting local people. Having the opportunity to meet and eat with local people and getting to know something of their lifestyle is a completely precious opportunity that is unique to travel. Even if you are in a country where English is not the dominant language, chances are that English will be used as the basis for communication between speakers of different native languages. When you travel and are able to speak English well, it is more than likely that you will experience greater ease and confidence when interacting with local people and simultaneously gaining fascinating insight into their lives.
4: Interacting with other travelers. No matter where travelers call home, English is, overwhelmingly, the international language of communication for travellers. Although you may be thousands of kilometres from home and initially perceive little advantage in hanging out with people that live close to or in a similar way to you, it can often be very comforting to mix with people with whom you can share experiences and communicate using a language with which you are confident.
5: Pleasantries and important phrases. Even a very basic level of English can assist you with important phrases and key pleasantries that will be frequently used when travelling. It goes without saying that being able to use these phrases appropriately and confidently can make your time and experiences in different places all the more enjoyable.
6: Independence. Speaking English when you travel enables you to enjoy a greater level of independence than you otherwise might. Rather than having to rely on tour guides that speak your native language and being restricted to taking organised tours, speaking English allows you significantly more freedom and the opportunity to explore more independently and creatively. English is an important and useful language to know when you travel. Even when travelling to countries where English is not the language most commonly spoken, it is often recognised as the 'international language' and the language that is mutual to
travellers and locals. For the one who craves adventure; the one who is raring to hitchhike across cities; the one who loves to travel, it is important they be fluent in English. There are many countries that don't practice English, but due to the importance it has garnered for itself through its extensive use in the media, most countries teach it to students as a third or second language. Immersion is the best method to learn. Surround yourself with English. In addition to having English as the go-to language, learning a few phrases of the native language of the place where you are visiting gains you a few notches of affection in the people's hearts. Humans love to hear what they have been bred with, so a few greetings in say, French while in France, or Mexican/Spanish while in the Latin countries will ease up conversation with the natives and might help make friends as well! Learning a language is a lot of fun. Knowing bits and pieces from here and there will make you a people's person, but having concrete knowledge of one universal language is significantly required. Communication is key for your success, and English is your locksmith.
When speaking to visitors who speak English, immigration officers, hotel staff, taxi drivers, and others use it to communicate. If you can speak it yourself, you will not have any problems dealing with the locals. Therefore, if you are planning to visit a country where the native language is not the same as yours, it is advisable to learn English (at least the basics). Since it is an international language, you will most likely find someone who can speak it, making communicating much easier.
Advantages of learning English for travelers. If you understand and speak English, there are many advantages you will enjoy as a tourist:
Ease of expressing yourself: Expressing yourself becomes easier everywhere you go. It is simple to ask for something and even explain what you want. For instance, if there are complications at the airport, you can easily clarify them. In the hotel, you can ask for food and specify your preferred room. English enables you to get what you want and the best value for your money.
Making new friends becomes easier: When you can speak a common language, interacting with others becomes less challenging. English, for example, enables you to socialize with the locals in your tour destination and learn something about their lifestyle. This way, you will easily meet new people and establish relationships.
It enhances confidence: When you know that you can easily express yourself and even make new friends, your confidence improves during travel. Since you hear what the locals are saying, and can even ask questions, you ensure your safety by avoiding dangerous places, for example. When you learn English, getting insight into other people, their lifestyles, and recommended tourist areas becomes easy, thus enhancing your confidence.
Better experiences: Knowing the basics of the English language can assist you with every day pleasantries and crucial phrases frequently used while traveling. You are bound to have better experiences as anytime you go to a new place, you will need assistance from the locals. Even if they do not speak the language well, they most probably will understand the basics enough to assist you.
Independence: Tours are great, but I personally prefer to organize my own experiences. I can go to the places I prefer and stay for as long as I want. Not all activities offered on tours are for me, and they are usually done in a rush. When my English was not good enough, I was restricted to such organized tours and I had to rely on the guides. Now that I can speak and understand English, I have the freedom to visit and explore places more independently.
As a universal language, English is often used in tourist areas. Thus, even if you do not have a local tour guide, you will not have any problems getting to the attractions you want to visit. By reading signs, you can also book accommodations and obtain other services in a foreign country without hiring a tour guide. This will save you money since hiring a tour guide can be costly in some regions. In addition, when you can speak a universal language, even bargaining for products and services becomes possible. This will not be the case if you do not speak English.
References
1. Buzard J., 1993. The Beaten Track. European Tourism literature, and the Ways to 'Culture' 1800 - 1918. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
2. "Round-trip — Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary". Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 2 March, 2013.
