Whether you’re migrating for business or for pleasure, learning the language of your new destination may be something you’ve added to your extensive list of ‘things to do’. Even with the best intentions in the world, the complications of an international move could be enough to be getting on with and it could be that you hope to get by with a few choice phrases and comments.

If you’re heading to somewhere like America, Australia or New Zealand and your first language is English, there will be very few situations when you need to think of talking in a foreign tongue. However, if you’re relocating to France, Spain, Hong Kong or any number of international areas, it may be necessary to swot up on something more than greetings, food ordering and the odd directional phrase.

Obviously certain areas and regions are particularly popular with expats and it could be that you’re placing yourself within an area where on a day-to-day basis, your native language is enough. For example, some regions in France are known to be particularly popular to the Brits and have been given names such as ‘Dordogneshire’ as a reflection of their inhabitants. It is also well known that Spain’s Costa Blanca has a large expat community, many of whom are retired, so learning the language could seem an unnecessary hassle.

But what if you’re planning to work in your new home or send your children to a school where they WILL have to speak the native language, it may be that you have no choice but to fully integrate yourself into society.

In countries such as Hong Kong, it’s almost essential that you learn either Cantonese or Mandarin if you’re planning to live there for any length of time.  In Denmark too, whilst English is spoken widely, anyone who wants to reach the top in their chosen career needs some Danish under their belt.

Learning a language will however take some preparation and perseverance. There is a school of thought that says you can only truly learn a language, once you are fully immersed in the new culture. That said, there are plenty of ways tolearn a new language either online, with an App or simply by signing up with your local college. Doing this before you leave will give you a head start on arrival.

If you don’t have the time or the inclination to crack on with the language, before you depart, there will be no harm in signing up for a course, online, or otherwise once you arrive. In countries such as Spain there are a number of courses run for people to learn the language while living there. See herefor more information.

Whether you learn a language or not will almost always be dependent on what you are hoping to get out of your new location. The benefits of communicating with your neighbours, work colleagues or local newsagent in their native language can be fun and bring a sense of purpose to your new life. You’ll also be surprised at how much you pick once you have no choice but to try and understand what someone is saying to you.

A new language may not be a necessity if you’re surrounded by those who speak exactly the same dialect as you. But with all the latest scientific thinking highlighting the fact that learning a foreign language can boost your brain power it could be just the ticket for making friends and influencing people. What’s not to like about that?

For more information about how PSS International can help you make your move abroad visit https://www.pssremovals.com

PSS International Removals is a family run company and our desire is to ensure your family receive a friendly, professional and stress free overseas move. We have specialised in international removals for over 33 years, so whether you are planning on sending a full or part household removal, excess baggage or a vehicle we recognise the importance in ensuring that our customers receive the same level of care and attention that we would expect ourselves.