It’s not hard to see that the world is changing. Every time we blink, a new technological device pops up. Transportation is making it easier for people to travel farther and faster, to places inaccessible to our ancestors. This melting pot of cultures and languages brings with it fresh ideas but also fresh challenges.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no good at languages. I think my brain just didn’t develop that piece needed to retain new vocabulary and verb conjugations for long periods of time. So when I travel to a foreign land, sure I take some time to learn the basics: hello, thank you, bathroom. But more often than not, when I’m standing face-to-face with a native speaker, most of what comes out of my mouth sounds more like, “Uhh…mm…”
Apparently my language deficiencies are not too out of the ordinary. Countries are recognizing the need for standardized and pictorial signs, especially for foreign drivers. Here are some of my favorites:
