How to immerse yourself in new cultures through language

Out there, beyond your comfort zone, lies a vast world waiting to be explored—a world full of fascinating new cultures, breathtaking places, and unforgettable experiences. Even though it may seem impossible to discover it all, it’s now easier than ever to do so.

You no longer need a fortune to travel to any corner of the world. Nor do you have to take unnecessary risks in unsafe or remote regions. Today, you can explore new cultures affordably, easily, and safely.

And that’s exactly what we’ll discuss today: how anyone, including you, can embark on a journey to discover this amazing planet. We’ll explore how experiencing new cultures can broaden your perspective on life and enrich your worldview.

So, get ready for an adventure like no other! Let’s dive into new cultures and visit some of the most intriguing places on Earth.

Why do people say that “traveling enriches the soul”?

Simply because it’s true! Traveling, experiencing new cultures, and witnessing different ways of life and perspectives is incredibly enriching. Not in a financial sense, of course, but in a way that provides a type of wealth that never fades—mental and spiritual growth.

As Mark Twain once said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice.” And he was right. When you immerse yourself in new cultures, your personal horizons expand in ways that books and lectures never could.

Additionally, travel nourishes the soul in extraordinary ways. It opens your mind to accept cultural, religious, economic, and social differences. But, most importantly, it allows you to connect with people in a truly meaningful way.

By engaging with people from different backgrounds, you develop an immunity to discrimination and xenophobia. In case you didn’t know, xenophobia literally means “fear of foreigners.” But when you are the foreigner, those fears fade away.

Beyond its spiritual benefits, traveling also enhances your linguistic skills. Let’s take a closer look at how:

New cultures, new languages, and new ways to express yourself

One of the greatest advantages of traveling is the linguistic enrichment it provides. Even if you visit a country where your native language is spoken, you’ll still discover new expressions and variations of it.

However, if you choose to immerse yourself in a culture with a different language, your linguistic abilities will expand exponentially. Not only will you learn a foreign language, but even if you already have some knowledge of it, you’ll gain real-world practice that can’t be matched by textbooks.

When you set out to explore new cultures, you absorb expressions that aren’t typically taught in language courses. You’ll pick up idioms, slang, local phrases, and an expanded vocabulary—all of which make your language skills more natural and authentic.

But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of new cultures is how they shape the way language is used. In some parts of the world, language is more than just a tool for communication. It can have religious, social, or ideological significance—something you can only truly understand by immersing yourself in those cultures.

Let’s take a look at some examples of this fascinating linguistic diversity.

Keigo: A language of respect and admiration

How do you address your grandparents or schoolteachers? Depending on your culture and personal background, you might not think much about it. In many Western cultures, there’s little to no linguistic distinction when speaking to elders or those deserving of high respect. 

And even when such distinctions exist—like in Spanish with formal pronouns—they’re often used sparingly. As a result, many people address elders the same way they would a close friend.

However, in Japan—and more specifically, in the Japanese language—there is a distinct way of communicating with people of higher status. This form of speech is called Keigo (敬語), a linguistic system designed to convey respect, humility, and admiration. Rather than mere politeness, Keigo reflects the deep-rooted belief in Japan that age brings wisdom, and younger generations should honor their elders.

Thus, using Keigo—or “super formal” Japanese—is a social expectation when speaking to seniors, superiors, or esteemed individuals.

Casual speech: The language of everyday life

Many languages around the world have two primary modes: formal and informal speech. In the English language, for example, people often use a very different type of language within their closest social circles. This informal speech is filled with colloquialisms and slang that are rarely used in professional or academic settings.

Because of this, it’s almost impossible to fully learn informal speech in a classroom. Only through deep cultural immersion can you discover these unique linguistic nuances.

In some languages, the difference between formal and informal speech is relatively subtle, often appearing only in word choice. However, in other languages, the intimate, everyday language spoken at home can feel entirely different from its formal counterpart.

As you travel and explore new cultures, you may encounter societies where people speak a completely different language behind closed doors. A great example of this can be found in countries where indigenous languages coexist with an official national language. This is particularly common in parts of Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and even Latin America and Spain.

Why do some cultures have separate languages for intimate settings?

This linguistic phenomenon has deep historical and social roots. Many nations that were once colonized were forced to adopt the language of their colonizers. However, within the intimacy of their homes, people preserved their native languages.

In some cultures, these native languages are only spoken in strict family settings. If you ever get the chance to witness this while experiencing a new culture, consider yourself lucky—it’s a rare and authentic linguistic experience.

A more modern example of this phenomenon is immigration, which has led millions of people to relocate to countries with different languages. Yet, many immigrant families continue speaking their native language at home, even if they adopt the local language for work and social interactions.

But here’s where things get even more interesting: in many cultures, this bilingualism has evolved into linguistic fusion.

This has resulted in hybrid languages such as:

• Spanglish 
• Portuñol 
• Papiamento 
• Lagunen-Deutsch 

And this phenomenon isn’t limited to Earth! No, we’re not talking about alien languages—but rather about Runglish, the blend of Russian and English spoken by astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

Now, let’s dive deeper into…

How to maximize your experience when exploring new cultures

We’ve already discussed how traveling and immersing yourself in new cultures can be incredibly enriching. You’ve seen some of the best benefits of cultural exploration, but now you might be wondering: How can you do it effectively? More importantly, how can you make the most of your travels?

While there are many ways to achieve this, here are some essential tips to consider before packing your bags and setting off on your adventure.

Do your research—A lot of it

New cultures aren’t always about exotic or picturesque traditions. In many cases, immersing yourself in a different culture requires adapting to lifestyles. That includes adaptation to customs that may be vastly different from your own. This is especially true in regions where cultural, religious, or political norms differ significantly from those you’re accustomed to.

That’s why, before even deciding on your destination, you should research it thoroughly.

Many travelers make the mistake of expecting locals to adapt to their traditions, but the reality is quite the opposite. As a visitor, it’s your responsibility to respect and adapt to the customs of the culture you are experiencing.

Understand cultural differences

This is especially important for travelers from developed or Western countries visiting unfamiliar regions. Many tourists have found themselves in uncomfortable or even problematic situations. That has happened simply because they did something that is considered normal at home but is frowned upon elsewhere.

For instance, in countries with strong religious customs, certain daily habits you take for granted could be seen as offensive. 

That’s why, before traveling, you should have a clear understanding of local customs and cultural boundaries. In many parts of the world, tolerance for certain behaviors is low, and in some cases, violating cultural norms could even result in legal consequences. So, make sure you read, research, and fully understand your destination before stepping foot in it.

Ditch the luxury and immerse yourself in local life

Staying at an all-inclusive Caribbean resort or a five-star hotel in a stunning mountain destination sounds like an amazing vacation. But will this really connect you with the local culture? Probably not.

That doesn’t mean you need to sleep in a hut in the jungle or spend the night on a park bench. Instead, aim for a balance.

If your goal is to truly experience new cultures, opt for a mid-range accommodation in a busy part of the city. This way, you can enjoy comfort while still being immersed in local life.

Finding the right balance is key—avoid low-quality accommodations that could compromise your experience, but also steer clear of overly luxurious hotels that isolate you from the local environment.

Travel websites and tourism agencies can be very helpful in finding well-reviewed, safe accommodations that align with your cultural exploration goals.

Engage with locals

The best way to experience a new culture is through its people.

Of course, tour guides are useful for exploring historical sites and landmarks. But if you truly want to understand local life, you need to blend in as much as possible.

Some of the best places to engage with locals include:

• Public markets
• City parks
• Public transportation

These places are where locals shop, relax, and interact freely, making them ideal for cultural exchanges. You might be surprised by how open and welcoming people can be when you show a genuine interest in their culture.

Always travel with translation tools

Did you know that many tourists have unintentionally offended locals simply by saying the wrong thing? It’s not always intentional—sometimes, a simple translation mistake can turn an innocent phrase into something completely inappropriate.

To avoid awkward or even risky situations, take advantage of technology.

Apps like Talkao Translate allow you to speak in over 125 languages naturally, using just your phone. Additionally, Talkao’s camera translation tool lets you instantly read signs, menus, and documents in any language or script. Plus, the Talkao dictionary provides definitions and synonyms to enhance your vocabulary while traveling.

There’s no excuse not to explore new cultures and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

With the right preparation, mindset, and tools, you can turn every trip into a truly immersive cultural experience—one that broadens your horizons, enriches your perspective, and connects you with the world in a meaningful way.

So, where will your next adventure take you?

Published Thu, 2 May 2024