Do You Speak...? - The 5 Essentials of Any Language

I have been wondering...what are the essentials of a language that you really need to know when you visit a foreign country? Are they really phrases like "What is your name?", "How are you?" and "My name is..."? I daresay no.

My view on it is like this: You only need the above phrases if you want to start a conversation. So, let's say you do, and the other person answers. And then what? How far might the conversation possibly go if all yo know are the above few phrases? See?

So, let's get down to the real essentials.

1) Cursing. You don't believe me? Have you ever sailed down the stairs in a foreign country? Believe me, that is a situation which asks for cursing, and if you want others to be part of your anger, what better way to do so than to curse in their native language?

2) "Thank you." Yes, that phrase is important. If you know how to say thank you, and you say it with a smile, people tend to help you more readily. On a side note, even if you don't know this phrase, an honest smile of gratitude normally conveys its meaning without words as well.

3) "I love you." How else would you make make clear that you have fallen for that cute girl/cool boy you've met on your trip? And once that is said and understood, you can take it from there on...

4) "Cheers!" No better way to find new friends in a bar than to raise your glass to them. You are invited to take a seat at their table but don't understand a word of what they are asking or telling you? Have a few more drinks and you guys will understand each other well in spite of the language barriers...

5) "Help!" Of course, this one is a must. Whenever you are in trouble, you need to know how to make sure others become aware of it.

So, now that we have our five most essential phrases listed, watch out for our comprehensive list of essentials in a variety of other languages!