Don’t Let Language Be a Barrier

Throughout the past few months, my impending study abroad experience was often a favored topic of discussion. When someone says they are going abroad for a semester, you wonder where. Popular destinations such as Spain, Italy, and Australia most likely come to mind. Not for me. Not this time. Not even close. My response: Serbia.

The look on people’s faces when I said I was studying abroad in Serbia is not easily described. When I said Serbia, friends and family looked at me like I had two heads. Here are some common responses: What? Serbia? Is that near Russia? Isn’t it freezing? Is it safe? I would quickly respond and explain where the tiny country is located as well as provide them with a quick history and geography lesson. I would reassure them that I would indeed be safe during my stay in the capital city of Belgrade. Another question almost always followed the initial ones: What language do they speak? Can you speak the language? Well, in Serbia they speak Serbian. No I cannot speak Serbian. Since I’ve been here I have quickly come to learn (as I have been told numerous times) that it is one of the most difficult languages to learn. Neither I nor any of the students I came here with speak Serbian. This barrier didn’t discourage me. In fact, it almost made the trip more alluring. I wanted a unique study abroad experience in a capital city that is rich with history. Where better to be than Belgrade?

I feel that a language barrier often serves as a deterrent. It prevents many from traveling to places where they otherwise would love to visit. As I have quickly come to learn, this is no reason not to travel somewhere! At first, I was worried that I would not be able to communicate with those in Serbia. Though I have only been here for a few weeks, it has already become clear to me that isn’t the case. Many locals speak English which is incredibly helpful. But moving away from that, it still isn’t difficult to thrive in a city in which you don’t speak the language. Even if you don’t speak the county’s official language, body language can often get the point across. It is important to remember that people everywhere are friendly. Locals want you to enjoy their city and would love for you to speak highly of it. Because of this they are always willing to help out.

Though it’s impossible to pick up a new language in a few days, it is always helpful to learn some common phrases before heading out on a new adventure. There are a few that I believe to be important and can help make your life easier. Learning to say hello is crucial. When you walk into a restaurant or store, or are meeting someone new, you don’t want to be perceived as rude. Of course, learning how to say thank you is also necessary. In addition, it is important to be able to ask for the check at a restaurant. Knowing how to ask where the restroom is will more than likely come in handy. Finally, being able to ask how long something is or how far away it is will prove to be important. Of course, there are a plenitude of other phrases that will be helpful. These are just the first few that pop into my head.

Belgrade has quickly come to be a city that will always have a place in my heart. So far, the people here have been superb, the food has been delectable, and I know that my experience here will be one that I will never forget. I hope that a language barrier won’t stop you from traveling to a unique city or country. I know it can be intimidating at first (trust me) but once that initial fear dissipates, you’ll be more than grateful that you chose to travel to a new place.

Thanks for reading,

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain