Article in collaboration with Susanna Giordo.
For many of us, visiting Asia is one of the top destinations on our bucket list. The main challenge: language. If you don't speak Mandarin, Thai, Japanese or anything else, how can you communicate? Fortunately, some of these countries are easily accessible to those who speak the language of Shakespeare.
Review your basics, refresh your level or learn English
As a good French speaker, it's not always easy to express yourself in another language... Once you've got past the usual greetings, it's not easy for everyone to hold a conversation. Rest assured: you're neither the first nor the last in this situation. Before you, thousands of people have faced the same problem and overcome it with flying colors.
To learn English or improve your level, several options are available. Do you enjoy group work? You'll certainly find what you're looking for in a group class or organized multilingual exchange sessions. Short on time? With apps like Babbel, for example, which offers easy and accessible English lessons from your smartphone, you can easily reach a good level for traveling in Asia or brush up on your forgotten skills.
It is important to note that, as everywhere and for all languages, English can differ from one country to another, the accent, the expressions, the vocabulary, etc. So find out before leaving what you need to know about the culture and how to express yourself (verbally and physically: gestures can be misinterpreted from one country to another), and why not learn a few words of the local language like greetings, thank you, please, or even asking for directions. The effort is always appreciated.
Here are four Asian countries where English is used either as an official language or a very commonly spoken language.
Singapore
Did you know that the Republic of Singapore has no fewer than four official languages? A former British colony, Singapore long used English as its administrative language. Even today, 85% of the population speaks fluent English, which is good news if you don't want to embark on learning another language. A true cultural melting pot, Singapore is primarily populated by Chinese, Indians, and Malays. This diversity is reflected in its iconic neighborhoods: Little India, Chinatown, and Kampong Glam, respectively. Between the colorful saris, the Thian Hock Keng temple, and the delicious Malay cuisine, there's so much to do in this city-state… Not to mention its modern districts and attractions such as Gardens by the Bay , one of the city's symbols.
Malaysia
Across its 329,847 km², the British, Portuguese, and Dutch have all left their mark. Malaysia is a slice of paradise for those seeking both wild landscapes and modern amenities. Kuala Lumpur, the country's gateway, immediately impresses visitors with the magnificent architecture of the Masjid Negara and Masjid Jamek mosques. Here, you can also stroll through distinct and unique neighborhoods such as Little India and Chinatown. Interested in Malaysian culture? Be captivated by the Batu Caves and their impressive statue of the god Murugan. And of course, there are the idyllic beaches like Pulau Pangkor, Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Redang with its Long Beach, Teluk Dalam, and the beaches of Bako National Park.
India
This former British colony has been the setting for many legends… Imagine waking up with the Taj Mahal in your sights. Losing yourself in the Thar Desert, as intriguing as it is majestic, or letting yourself be carried away by the Hadiwar, Diwali or Holi ceremonies. So many treasures to discover in India… In the southern part of the country, the picture is different and just as interesting. Between the Hindu temples and old districts of the English colonies like Pondicherry, you won’t know where to look first. Special mention for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway which allows you to discover magnificent panoramas.
Hong Kong
Again, this is a former British colony, hence the ease with which the inhabitants speak English. Although it is less used by the locals, the strong presence of expatriates has made English the most spoken language in the metropolis, hence its nickname of world city.
Once in Hong Kong, what to do and what to see? There are a multitude of attractions such as admiring the city from the Victoria peak, discover the big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, or relax at the Wong Tai Sin Temple. The city of Hong Kong is also cited towards the future with the Central business district.
