Language-learning for tourism
Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2019 7:09 pm
I'm thinking about taking a trip to Iceland this year. If I do, I would like to put some time into Icelandic (maybe a month or two), but I don't necessarily want to study this language long-term -- I just want to be a tourist who knows how to say a few dozen phrases, understands basic vocabulary and is familiar with the pronunciation. And in case I find myself in a weird situation, I want to be able to ask for directions or help.
With French and Greek, I've focused on having a strong basis in grammar so I can form long sentences. I've used Assimil and grammar books, and I'm slow to start speaking. What changes can I make to make the learning-process more appropriate for tourism, apart from just buying phrasebooks with audio? Is there anything else I should know, any particular area of the language I should focus on? I'm looking for general advice that could be used by any learner with any language, but specific recommendations for Icelandic are welcome too.
With French and Greek, I've focused on having a strong basis in grammar so I can form long sentences. I've used Assimil and grammar books, and I'm slow to start speaking. What changes can I make to make the learning-process more appropriate for tourism, apart from just buying phrasebooks with audio? Is there anything else I should know, any particular area of the language I should focus on? I'm looking for general advice that could be used by any learner with any language, but specific recommendations for Icelandic are welcome too.