If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. - Nelson Mandela

It has been quite a journey learning Spanish 5 years ago, I was just learning it through a language school but it was just not good enough. I had to attend the class only once a week because I had a job back then. So I had to actually keep learning on my own, it was a strong determination. I was asked in the class why did I want to learn Spanish, I said I wanted to travel in South America. I did 3 years later. I just have a tendency to make things happen.

The monolinguals have faced criticism these days especially if they are traveling to overrated and touristy destinations such as Bangkok and Bali. They flock here to immerse themselves in a new culture, and some, to speak to other English-speaking travelers. It is not only about the countries are cheap to travel to, but it is must be more convenient to see the same people. You see, when you land to a foreign country, you already create an invisible divide, expecting that most people in the world speak English. If you at least try to make an effort to communicate through the local language, at least you will be more appreciated for going outside your comfort zone. The locals might even switch to English to help you, especially if they can speak it and when you are already having a hard time.

I landed in Brazil where people speak Portuguese, can you imagine the pain I had to go through, all those unforgettable moments of not knowing what was happening, being taken somewhere else and being surprised all the time. But still, I learned to speak a little bit of Portuguese just to be able to communicate with the truck drivers and my couchsurfing hosts. Especially with the way I travel, it would really make sense for me to learn their language. I'm quite happy actually with my Portuñol as Brazilians still understood me. They can understand Spanish more than the Spanish speakers can understand them.

Even though I was in Brazil for a couple of months, I was still studying Spanish on my own during my free time in preparation for entering the Spanish-speaking countries, starting from Uruguay. I was really quite determined, I found time to learn the grammar structure, improve my vocabulary and speak with native speakers. Most people don't really speak English in South America, and learning a new language would definitely save my life.

Learning a new language means you have already positioned yourself at the center of the culture. Real travel is not only about sightseeing, picture-taking, and meeting fellow travelers, it is more about cultural immersion and having a fresh perspective of the world.

If you learn a new language, it would be easier for the locals to help you, welcome you to their homes and share their lives with you. It would be also easier to make friends if you can speak their language. It has the same importance as getting a second passport, like how liberating and exciting it is to have another one. Learning a new language opens door to opportunities.

Travelers who don't make an effort to learn a new language would find it hard to experience the country's genuine culture. Instead of trying the street foods, they would head to Mcdonalds just because they find it difficult to understand the local food and people. You travel because you want to learn and experience something new.

Learning a new language not only helps when you travel, it also makes you smarter by having that brain practice you need from time to time. You would be able to easily adapt to a new environment. And you'll keep switching languages depending on the people around you, the situation forces you to think.

The same way I learned Spanish, the locals too should make an effort to learn another language, at least English. It is such a lame excuse when some people tell me that I travel in their country, therefore I should speak only Spanish. It is one of these over patriotic tendencies of Latinos. I already put a lot of time and effort to learn their language, but this does not give them an excuse not to learn a new language. Learning English especially is a sign of open-mindedness and being connected to the world.

Traveling is the best way to learn a new language. I could go on and on download apps, practice in duolingo, and enroll in Spanish class but there's nothing like putting myself out there, prone to misunderstanding, discomfort, and danger. I didn't have a choice but to learn the language, by really immersing myself in the culture, being part of people's lives and getting out of my comfort zone. This is how you grow.

¿Estás aprendiendo un nuevo idioma?

Are you learning a new language?