learning a language useful for S.E. Asia?

holystungun9

Hey all,

I am planning to travel around the world in 12 to 18 months. I speak english, spanish, and some german. I have never been to S.E. Asia or Asia but really want to make this a big part of the trip. The following statement is going to get my lots of crap after the question I am asking but here it goes.......I don't know which country I really want to focus on. How has everybody got on with English or did you try and learn a bit of the local while you were there. For example what are the "second" languages of thailand, vietnam, Malaysia. Is chinese understood by some people or am I making too much of a fuss? Any help would be appreciated. If another language would be a help I would like to start on it soon. Thanks guys.

darrenh

Before someone comes on a slates you for asking I'll answer politely!!;)

English will be fine for SE Asia. Lots of locals can speak it. If you could master one of their languages it would be great, but only for yourself and the look of surprise on a local persons face when you ask for something. The essentials would be please, thank you, yes, no, hello etc etc but I presume you know that. English is widely spoken and the language of the world. Everyone has their favorite countries, mine being Thailand and Laos. Vietnam is a 50/50 country. You either like it or you dont. I personally found it a pain in the arse. Cambodia is interesting and if you are in that neck of the woods why not go to Borneo. Cheap flights to be got on www.airasia.com

If you are traveling the world I'd recommend South America. Most people prefer it over SE Asia who have been to both. SE Asia is amazing but South America is adventurous and spectacular.

I have a few blogs here if you fancy some reading material:D Wanderly Wagon

Any other questions just shout

dory

Learn to say thank you for every country you're in. That should do you fine.

I've found in a lot of these countries that have a lot of tourists, people speak English, and even if you try the local language, you won't get better than their level of English in the given time, so they'll all just switch to English anyway.

And darrenh, I don't know what you're insinuating. We wouldn't slate anyone!!

killbillvol2

English is very widely spoken in Malaysia. You'll have no problem communicating in English in Thailand, Laos or Cambodia for most things you'll need. Even well off the beaten track communication isn't an issue. The second language of Vietnam is the dollar.

darrenh

killbillvol2 wrote: »

. The second language of Vietnam is the dollar.

Couldn't have said it better!!:pac:

holystungun9

Jeez guys, way too polite and helpful. Thanks for all that. Well, first off I have been living in Ecuador for the last two years and am staying for one more. But that will be the end, although I keep telling myself what's the rush with returning to education and all that jazz and that I should do some more things. After here, I hope to finally travel S.A. for maybe 4/5 months and then I was thinking of taking the long way home so to speak....sure I'm still young enough...(30), sure I'd be mad not to.....sure I may never get the chance again etc. etc. Anything to avoid facing the reality or rejoining Irish society (as much as I love yey and all). So yeah, thanks again, happy enough to stick with the ol' english although I have a yearning to learn something crazy like mandarin but who knows. I like the second language joke. I heard an adaptation before. Two Ozzy radio jocks (Merrick and Rosso from Nova FM sydney, I used to love that show), one was asking what is the religioin of indonesia, other guy says, the ozzy dollar) Damn, typing jokes sure sucks the fun of them.......