When you travel abroad it's best to know the language.
When you travel abroad it best to know the language. But that takes time and study and patience and you don’t have any of that. But it’s okay cause you’ve got a backup plan. You’ve got a friend that speaks the language. But she’s not coming. Work. You’ve got friends who live in the country. They can definitely show you around. Well they would, except that they’ll be out of town. And then there is always your plan of last resort. You’re just gonna talk slower and louder until they finally understand you.
Where is the bus station!? Bus! Do you speak English? Great plan.
This is definitely the point at which you stop making a good impression on our world neighbors.
What are you some kind of idiot!? Bus! The wheels go around. People ride in it. It’s usually called being an ugly American. But ugliness transcends nationality. When we say ugly we mean on the inside. Because as an ugly foreigner you arrogantly expect everyone to be like you.
I pay all this money coming to their country they could at least learn the language.
I know it’s a stretch but if you want people to stop spitting in your food and stop giving you directions to the local slum instead of the opera you might want to take a different approach.
Collectively The guy behind the camera and I have been to France, Switzerland Mexico, Canada, England, Belgium, Luxembourg Holland, Germany, Korea, and Japan. And if there is one thing we’ve learned from going all over the world it’s that locals like to see you show a little effort. You see, when you try and fumble around with their language you look like the cute, lost, little foreigner who needs so desperately to be taken under there wing and cared for. Not the dirty arrogant power monger who is just visiting the country but pretends like he owns the place.
So to help you fit in you’ve got to learn a few catch phrases. Not to help you get by to help you get in on the inside. I mean, with the people. You’re already in the country.
Now you might be tempted to learn something like “I’m hungry” or “where is the bathroom.” But that’s a complete waste of time. There are universal signals for all that. Trust me, they’ll understand. Learning how to ask for directions might be tempting but think about it for a minute the answer you’ll get will probably sound like this. [made up language]
So we’ve done a little digging to help you get started. Here are some of the most important and useful phrases you can find for different countries. We use the term useful very loosely. If you ever find yourself in Russia the first thing to tumble out of your frozen lips should be: [Russian] “It’s so cold. Can I borrow a coat?”
Camera guy wishes he would have known this when he was in Japan: [Japanese] “Take me to your newest technology. I wan to buy a robot.”
Still kicking yourself about that, huh? Yeah, well, don’t worry about it. We’ll pick up a whole crate full of robots next time we go to China. Just make sure you know how to say: [Chinese] “How many do I have to buy to get the factory discount. Show me with your fingers.”
Spanish is a really wide spread language. So to cover that one we are going to have to cover more than one region. For those heading south of the border
you have to know how to say: [Spanish] “Is there any water here I can drink that won’t make me sick?”
But you know they are going to say yes. Even if the water is churning with bacteria. So while your at it you might want to throw in: [Spanish] “Do you have any Double A batteries for my SteriPen?”
But if you are speaking Spanish in Europe you’re more than likely in Spain and the phrase that will save your life is: [Spanish] “Which direction do the bulls come from?”
If you’re planning to visit Italy it is very useful in between mouthfuls to be able to say: [Italian] “This food is so good! Adopt me!”
Or if you are not ready to form new familial bonds yet, just try: [Italian] “More please.”
You’ll be glad you know that one. And in France you only need one phrase: [French] “I’m not American. I’m Canadian.”
Just make sure you say it to everyone you meet. And for you the adventurous types when you wind up in Mongolia you should definitely use: [Mongolian] “Which part of the animal did this come from?”
Or you might need: [Mongolian] “Is this really fresh yaks milk?”
Just to be safe.
You don’t have to speak perfectly. I didn’t. Heck, you don’t even have to make sense. They just have to know you are trying. Just make a little effort on your part and you never know you might get a little more at dinner make a new friend
or avoid a savage goring from an angry bull. Either way I think your vacation will be better. And if you think you can say it any better you probably can. So post a phonetic link to your favorite foreign phrase and teach us all how to say it too.
Here a little treat from a yet to be published audio book called “Mongolian you can actually use”. [English/Mongolian] I’m lost. Where is the nearest camel dealership? [English/Mongolian] If I teach you English, will you give me your daughter? [English/Mongolian] Let’s take over the world.
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53 Comments
AredhelCarnesir
Sorry, that should have been: Eigo GA dekimaska. Also, another good thing to know about Japanese is that most objects and foods that have been recently introduced to the country sound like the English word with a Japanese accent. Examples include: Basu =Bus, Terebi = TV, Piza = Pizza, Sandowichi = Sandwhich, ... moreAredhelCarnesir
The best things to know in any language are: Where is the toilet? and Do you speak English? In Japanese: Eigo ge dekimaska? = Do you speak English? In Europe, if you know a good dose of Latin, it's usually fairly easy to translate written texts, particularly in Southern, Western and Central ... moremeggiebean
I think this may be the best one yet! Wow! good work guys!Niya
A friend gave me the WYOTK DVD and this was one of my favorit videos I made my family sit down and watch it with me we all had a great time learning and now you guys have...let me do the math... 9 plus 5 plus 3 plus 2 equals ... moreMuircheartach
Concerning my earlier comment: The phrase is pronounced /tower may ooshkie baha/ in Irish GaelicMuircheartach
"Tabhair mé Uisce Beatha." in Gaelic. Pronounced /tah.hair may ooshkie bayha/. It means "Give me the Water of Life." or "Give me Whiskey." Its not very useful since the Irish speak english, but its fun to know!nick
CEDRICnumber23, what you said is not a question because there are not question marks, if there were it would be, but this only works in specific cases. Also you did not spell that correctly (as you thought was a possibility). I think you were trying to say "Que necesitas saber" I'm assuming that you heard it from a native speaker, or at least anyone with a really good accent. In the spanish language "b" and "v" are pronounced the same way. "Que necesitas saber" means "what you need to know" There isn't the word "ought" in spanish, the closest you ... lots moreCEDRICnumber23
"Que necessitas saver" Translation- What you ought(need) to know! . . . that might not have been spelled correctly and i think the spanish translation is a question instead of a statement, but hey, as long as im trying right!? ( :crimson_woe
My favorite Japanese phrase: Kodomo wa oishi dessneee (Children are tasty!!)waecool
yo puedo hablar español también (i can speak Spanish to)Demoness [22]
Saisinko lisää salmiakkia? = Could I please get more ammonium chloride candy?dawsman24
If your in Haiti and someone asks "how are you?" You say "m'ap boule!" Which means I'm burning or I'm great! If someone asks "what are you doing?" You say "M'ap naje pou sori!" which means I'm trying to swim to leave. They love that one. You'll get them to ... moreDee
Thank you so much for posting this. My friend and I felt embarrassed in Japan when we saw a fellow foreigner speaking loudly and slowly to order some snowcones. *sigh* I mean, there are tons of free language podcasts now. Would it really kill travelers to learn a ... moreNospinplease
That was really funny! I really liked the spanish one. It was also informitive. It is like you guys got your groove back.Ingrid [22]
Thank you VERY much Lobe! That makes everything very clear to me!lobe
you know what would be a nice video? if you could explain the hole american voting system. Because I don't understand half of it. Because, how is it possible that one man can have more actual votes but still doesn't become president? How does it work and why does it all take so long? I mean, after today, is this the real voting? when will the winner become known and when will that person take office? It's like this: The American President is technically chosen by a group called the "Electoral College". Each state gets a number of electors equal ... lots moreIngrid [22]
you know what would be a nice video? if you could explain the hole american voting system. Because I don't understand half of it. Because, how is it possible that one man can have more actual votes but still doesn't become president? How does it work and why does it ... moremarc
Okay, So I know this is not related to the video, but I know a lot of people will keep checking in today for a new video (I usually check 20-50 times)... so... remember to vote people! Participate in the greatest thing to happen to our nation, democracy! VOTE! I ... moreIngrid [22]
@theundecided Here are three: Ik spreek geen Nederlands (dutch) Je ne parle pas francais (french) Ich spreche kein(e?) Deutch (I think, I'm not sure)(german)theundecided [22]
one of my lifelong goals is to learn to say "I don't speak[insert language here] " in every language possibleRuss [22]
I loved the show. My wife thought it was very informational, very true... but... she'd like to point out that when we were in France everyone knew we were Americans, and no one spat in our food (granted, we can speak French, and that helps). I'd like to second Danielle: If you're looking for help with phrases, visit www.omniglot.com. They've got tons of phrases (small talk, idioms) for 98 languages, and counting. My favorite? "This gentleman/lady will pay for everything." Russian: Etot muž?ina platit za vsë - gentleman; Eta dama platit za vsë - lady Japenese: konohito ga zembu haraimasu Chinese: ... lots morepkw
"Hubby" here. If you find yourself in Korea, the best phrase for them to hear is, "Kimshee ga ahju mahshee eetdah. Ddoh ju say oh!" It compliments their staple, Kimche, and you will get more!!(It's oddly addictive.) If somebody compliments your Korean, then shake your head no and say,"Kim shee Mahnee moke u myun, Hangoonmal chal hah guess umneedah" "If I eat alot of kimche, I'll speak Korean well" If you're there in the summer, then say,("Ssoobkey Mahnd jahnah yo!")("it's really humid") because it's true! OH! don't say what you want to say when the kids ... lots moreGuin
i've watched this like five times already and it's still funny!!!Meandering {207}
Great episode. In the Philippines there are many languages and dialects. On the island of Cebu they speak Cebuan (or Visayan), but the national language is Tagalog, which everyone understands. However, I did not know Tagalog, I know Cebuano. What I do know in Tagalog is ... moreeffamy
that's really excellent language work! we met a lot of fellow Canadians on our trip to europe. Actually we found that the way to differentiate Americans from ourselves seemed to be that the Americans used much larger Canuck flags on their packs then we did.ivan47
brilliant! I just discovered this site yesterday, And I LOVE IT!! keep up the great work!dragonroka27
Fantastic as always! kristinadesignertoxophilite[22] [22]
Thats awesome, I have to agree with everyone else, the accents were amazing. I have to say though, directions in German are pretty simply to understand, as long as you have a good understanding of English, as there are a lot of commonalities within the languages For example, geradeaus über der Brücke, ... morethreeofclubs
If you're ever in Bogota, you can say the common phrase: 'No hablo muy bien en espanol,' which everyone knows. But what they don't know is you can follow this phrase up with, 'que chimba! juevon!' (Pronounced 'kay CHEEMBA, way-vone'). You'll be everyone's best friend and melt the ... moreSnowmanincave [22]
Re-commenting, Kudos on the wonderful show. In other news, I have succeeded in logging in again.Guin
@Jesse's Mom. I kinda did the same thing when we went to Marseilles,France. We had hit port for like 3 days. On the 3rd some friends and 1 went to the beach (oolala),and i rember these two french guys eyeing our stuff. So they come up to us and ask us if we were American. And since we didn't want to start no sh#t.(that not wanting to end up in the brig). We just said our countries of origin. Mejico ,El Salvador. After that we had a great time. Well except for me coming back like a lobster and being in ... lots moregraceofbass [22]
And then you marry their daughter.Guin
DUDE!!!!! YOu speak spanish!??!! (yeah i shouldn't be surprised, u live in Cali) if you want a site that will help you learn a different language try Lang-8.com. It's like having a penpal in (insert country) that helps u learn(insert language). And u in turn help them with their English.Curtis [22]
Great show. Nice to see the shorter comments are back, too, as well as the "more" links. That's a great help.idiotonuni
Will clicking on the ads for you guys, even if I don't care about them, get me into 22?Rabble of Redheads [22]
"ach de leibe" german for " ah the love"graceofbass [22]
My husband and I watched this last night and literally laughed out loud, for several minutes. My very favorite was the piece at the end. "Useful Mongolian" If I teach you English can I marry your daughter? That was classic.nick
wow good accents, nice showsteph {207}
Very funny show. Very nice accents Brett. Steripen is back! I now know how to say lets take over the world in Mangolian! Here's some questions you might want to ask in Mexico =P Me gusta tu sombrero. (I like your sombrero) ¿Donde puedo comprar un sombrero bien? (Where can I ... morepkw
Hubby seconds the "they like to speak your language", but he was in Korea. He says they say "I speaka D ingish bery goud". I had a friend in high school that moved from Holland. But all she taught he to say was Happy New Year, and "My Father's ... moreJennifer McKenzie
I bow to the master. That was amazing. I went to Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland for a choir competition in 1986 (Think "If This Is Tuesday It Must Be Belgium") and the French hated us then too. I will say that a lot of my classmates made ... moreSoul Sister [22]
Ah! This is so true. And the Canadian thing? I've totally done that before to. YAY for Canada, they are finally doing something! :)Ingrid [22]
three cheers for Kel! ... Nice job, it's always nice to see people make effort to learn our language! And your spelling was awsome! Other Hungarian phrases that are usefull in Hungary? Hol wanna bank? (or something, it means, where is the bank?) and the word "hitelkartje" (or something, I only know ... morejeffinputnam
Whenever we traveled outside the US we'd always tell people we were from Canada. If we were in Canada, we'd always say we were from Connecticut. It saved a lot of hassles.Kel [22]
Haha, that Russian phrase is what got me into [22], I had no idea you had a... practical... use for it! I think this is my new favorite episode :) I've always wanted to go to Mongolia, because it's one of the least-visited-by-tourists places. Ingrid-- I went to Amsterdam and to Delft, and loved them both. And I felt so guilty about only knowing how to say "Waar is... [point to address]," "alstublieft," "dank u wel," and "ik spreek geen nederlands," that I then studied it for a year. And ik houd van uw taal! Ik kan niet goed spreken, maar ik ... lots moremarc
You're right and wrong about Japan in a way guys. Japanese citizens, at least the young women, thought it was cute while I mangled their language. However, I found most younger (15-30) Japanese people want to practice their English with you. Good thing I had my brother ... moreDrecon [22]
What Ingrid said. Furthermore: bork bork bork!Lodinkinni [22]
There we go! I'd place this one up with some of the older ones, for quality. Though the phrases themselves were mostly useless, the theory behind it was very concise, very helpful, and very true. For some added help, by the way, for those of you looking to find more ways ... moreIngrid [22]
AAAAAH, you didn't do the Netherlands. Haha I would have loved for you to try and speak dutch :P. But well, that is probably because everybody that comes to this country just goes to Amersterdam, and everybody there speaks English anyway. (PLEASE tell me you have been OUTSIDE of Amsterdam, that's all people want to see and there is so much more. Really, people think the Netherlands is like a little country in Amsterdam, gosh.) Well anyway, visiting the Netherlands for a foreigner is pretty cool. We have this real social thing where we forget we even have a own language ... lots moreDanielle G.
It's the return of Steripen! Yaaay! By far one of the funniest (and most useful!) shows on here. And agreed, the accents were great! (Definitely gotta try those Mongolian phrases sometime... When I had gone to Israel, there were a number of people who were too impatient for my slow Hebrew and would interrupt me to answer in English. But most of them were very supportive of my stumbling speech. Favorite phrase is actually meant to be a response to someone asking for directions: "Yashar, yashar - ve'az tishali" = "Go straight ahead - then ask someone else!" Useful Hebrew phrases: http://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/hebrew.php And of ... lots moreGlenn [22]
If you extend further out into the family, you could add other countries to the list like: China, Mongolia, The Dominican Republic, Italy, England, Scotland, and (if you really want to stretch it) Holland. Ahhh, its good to be multi cultural. :)Jesse’s Mom [22]
Great show! And good accents Brett! I was especially impressed with the Russian, Japanese, French (obviously, as shown by the UG-Target episode) and Swedish Chef...you know, what the answer will sound like to you. Good call on not being the Ugly Foreigner - they really hate that! P.S. Saying you're Canadian is ... morehuscarl
That was hillarious! Great vid guys, keep up the great work! Oh, first to say first.