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Courtesy of journals.worldnomads.com
Traveling anytime soon? I’m fairly certain that you will sooner or later explore an unknown and far away land where you don’t know the language! (You’re there to experience the new and beautiful culture, places, entertainment, festivals and… nice looking people) My one-month trip to the impressively arts-based and adventurous Montreal, Quebec on my lonesome made me realize very quickly what French words were the utmost useful in getting around the city.
In a sea of unfamiliar crowds and spaces, my three phrases will save you from unsavory disaster and enable you to fulfill your basic needs, with more time to experience what life has! I’ve also translated the following phrases into popular languages that might be a destination of interest to you.
1. Where is the nearest washroom?
Could be a hole in the ground (I would then endeavor to translate in the language of interest, “May I borrow your headlight?” if this is the case) or a shifty stall or a five class hotel room- either way when we need to go, we need to go.
American: Where is the nearest restroom?
Spanish: ¿Dónde está el más cercano cuarto de baño?
French: Où est la plus proche des toilettes?
Icelandic: Hvar er næsta snyrting?
2. Where is the nearest McDonalds?
When you are driving along the Interstate 81,on an indigenous island, or in a extremely busy metropolitan, let’s face it, you know one thing that’s certain- McDonald’s hamburgers taste the same throughout any continent, is open 24/7 and is the cheapest fuel for your stomach out there. Then you can dig into those live worms and dingoes.
(I experienced a good, healthy dose of maple syrup yogurt and other choice maple syrup food stuffs in Montreal)
American: Where is the nearest McDonalds?
Spanish: ¿Dónde está el más cercano de McDonalds?
French: Où est la plus proche McDonalds?
Icelandic: Hvar er næsta McDonalds?
3. Do you speak English?
When all else fails and your language guidebook accidentally translates “Where is the washroom” to “Where can I go to eat big and greasy hog ears?” in French to the locals (when I was in Montreal, such a place existed and I did not want my washroom to be confused with this establishment!) Fortunately for me, Montreal was bilingual, but maybe not so much at your destination- but you will eventually find that savior…somewhere.
American: Do you speak English?
Spanish: ¿Hablas Inglés?
French: Parlez-vous anglais?
Icelandic: Ert þú talar ensku?
So there you have it.
