Has a Related Language Ever Helped You in Another Foreign Country?
As a seasoned professional in the SEO field, I frequently encounter situations where knowledge gleaned from one language helps in another. One such instance was when my knowledge of Latin proved invaluable in navigating the streets of Rome. Over the years, I have honed my skills in several languages, but none quite prepared me for the unexpected encounter with the Romanian language in the Balkans. My story sheds light on how related languages can assist you in foreign countries and save you from potentially unpleasant situations.
A Case of Latin in Italy
Dating back to high school, I took three years of Latin and four years of French. After a break of twenty-five years, I found myself vacationing in Italy twice. These years of classical training proved incredibly beneficial, allowing me to understand enough Italian to get by. A particular memory stands out, where a tour guide explained the origin of the Trevi Fountain using Latin. The fountain is located where three streets intersect, and the word 'sinister' in Latin is quite similar to its Italian counterpart 'sinistra', referring to the left side.
My experience in Italy reinforced the importance of related languages in enhancing communication and cultural understanding abroad. This sense of being 'not lost' because of my knowledge of Latin is an essential factor in my daily life and livelihood.
The Unexpected Encounter with Romanian in Bulgaria
During a trip to the Balkans, I faced a particularly tense situation that was only resolved by my accidental encounter with the Romanian language. Although I was proficient in several languages, including German, English, Spanish, some Italian, and some French, I had never truly interacted with Romanian until this incident.
While visiting my friend in Bulgaria, I planned to explore Skopje in North Macedonia, Sofia in Bulgaria, and Istanbul. I had a limited understanding of Montenegrin and knew a few words in the Slavic language family, but none prepared me for the challenge I was about to face.
During a hike in the mountains near Sofia, I fell off a rock and injured my knee, making the situation doubly stressful. I was carrying a bag of Bulgarian medication, but the labels were without English descriptions. Frustrated, I attempted to read the Cyrillic script to find a disinfecting spray or gel, yet I could not make sense of a single word. Alone and distraught, my anxiety was at its peak until I noticed that the medication labels included other languages. Initially, this only added to my distress as I saw Greek and Hungarian among them. Just when I felt my situation disintegrate, thank goodness, I discovered a language written in a Latin script that I could immediately comprehend.
With ease, I found the necessary items I needed and felt elation when I saw Romanian-written plasters with descriptions of 'suprafata', 'indep?rtat', and other easily recognizable words for any Romance language speaker.
Implications and Future Plans
Following this incident, Romanian became a valuable ally in navigating the various Balkan nations. I made a conscious decision to learn this language and have already begun using Duolingo to improve my skills. Every time I visited a shop, I would check the products with Roman script, feeling a profound sense of relief and gratitude for this fortuitous linguistic encounter.
From a broader perspective, this experience highlights the significance of related languages in enhancing travel experiences and cultural immersion. Knowledge of a language closely related to another can be a lifesaver in unforeseen circumstances and a valuable asset in future international travels. Whether it's Latin in Italy or Romanian in Bulgaria, every language learned contributes to a broader understanding of the world and the invaluable connections it offers.
Conclusion
Experiences like these underscore the immense value of related languages in providing assistance and communication in foreign lands. Whether it's the ease of recognizing Latin in Italy or finding comfort in Romanian in Bulgaria, related languages can play a significant role in enhancing your travel experiences and helping you navigate unfamiliar territories with confidence and competence.