Translation and the language barrier...

[Civ]

Hi all.

What's your opinion on electronic pocket translators?

Has anyone used these? Do you prefer the books?

[Patrick]

Hey Civ... I don't remember specifically where you are going, but you seriously shouldn't have any language difficulties in western europe, or large cities. It's when you get further east... latvia, russia, and other southeastern countries you may have language problems. Most people will speak at least some basic english.

If you're set on getting a translation tool, I'd go with a book myself. I think most guidebooks have simple phrases listed in variousl languages that you may need to use.

[Kim]

You know, we took a book and never even used it. I think you can get by on the small section in the back of guidebooks for foreign languages.

If you have any special needs however (such as food allergies, vegetarian diet etc.) it's worth having these things written down by a native speaker just so you can be really clear.

Kim

[Civ]

Well I'm not so much concerned with communicating, I was thinking that a traveller's dictionary would come in handy for reading signs and things like that. I'll be all on my lonesome with no one to collaborate with on these things. I guess I'll just get a book, for piece of mind.

[Eagle]

Don't know if you've bought your Language book yet, but thought I'd add one more opinion. You didn't say where you were going, and therefore which languages you were concerned with? I would suggest having a look at the Rick Steves books (www.ricksteves.com), as these seem to be well designed with phrases a traveller can acutally use. He offers one model that includes French / German / Italian which should be adequate for short trips to those countries. Good luck and Happy Travels!