What travelling and living abroad taught me about language barriers

'If only you knew how funny I am in my own language…' or 'No, ehh, I don’t know how to say this in English!' Travelling and living abroad taught me that language barriers are everywhere, but instead of blocking us, they push us to adapt, to get creative, and to connect in ways we never expected. So how can we bridge these language barriers and why do they still exist?

'If Only I Spoke More Languages'

Being a polyglot has long lost its uniqueness. A new generation has grown up fully accustomed to code-switching between two, three, or even four languages (sometimes even more!!!). And still, we ask ourselves: 'Why is it so difficult to make people understand us in multilingual contexts?'

The very question shows how far we’ve come - language skills are now seen as a global, and necessary, asset - but it also shows that communication goes deeper than vocabulary alone.

Friends, especially multilingual ones, teach you to adapt and to pay closer attention to non-verbal cues when they appear. A snarky comment might just be a form of endearment in another language, while comedic timing significantly differs across communities and cultures.

Travelling Opens Your Eyes

I have always been fascinated by Asian culture, which may be why many of my recent trips have taken me there, and why I first decided to learn Chinese. Yet, as a foreigner, you quickly realize how different life can be compared to Europe. In smaller towns, English often doesn’t work, and you have to adapt - sometimes with nothing but your hands and feet to get your meaning across. And yet, in those same towns, you might just be lucky enough and meet an international student, or even adventurous grandmother who has learned English, French, or Spanish abroad and proudly proclaims themselves 'almost native.'

These encounters remind me that language barriers are never absolute. They bend, they shift, and sometimes they disappear altogether in the most unexpected places.

More Languages Don't Equal More Understanding

It's easy to think, 'If only I spoke more languages, this would all be easier.' But the truth is, even polyglots struggle. Switching between two, three, or even four languages doesn't guarantee perfect understanding - because communication is more than grammar or vocabulary. Humor, emotions, and cultural context don't always translate. That's something I've seen again and again, both in myself and in friends who face these challenges daily.

I came to the conclusion that language barriers aren't failures, they are opportunities. Opportunities to learn to understand each other without fancy words and elaborate sentence structures. Opportunities to truly immerse myself into their culture and to appreciate the differences. Opportunities to learn, to grow, and to be humble. Whether you juggle four languages or are mastering just one - your skills are remarkable and they deserve recognition.

By Tom Wampach