Today we hear a lot about the most spoken languages, which one is worth learning, which one is spreading faster but we rarely think of those that are going extinct as we speak.

Did you know that there are over 6,000 languages and 96% of that is spoken by only 3% (!) of the world’s population? So it is not hard to imagine that more and more languages each day have fewer and fewer speakers. So what can we do? Should we let these languages go extinct as a natural part of the linguistic evolution or should we take measures to preserve them?

Learn more about this process, its effects and the linguistic isolation of the modern world in this interesting article.

Along with your passport, travel itinerary, your medication and favorite breakfast bar, you will likely need to do some prep work about how to get around and how to communicate basic thoughts during your travels. When you can communicate with the locals, it can make your whole travel experience a lot more memorable and interesting.

Hansa One online group lessons are actually a great way to get started before you travel. As long as you have internet, you can log on to our group lessons or have your own instructor to go over vocabulary that matches your itinerary. This article in the NYTimes gave some reviews on language apps that are easily accessible for your last minute need to learn a few phrases.

Learning just a few phrases beforehand can really make your experience more colorful. The reaction you get from locals will be with a big genuine smile at seeing your effort. You might even get an invite or two, if you end up in a hospitable area. It is definitely a humbling experience to have to speak like a 2 year old, and not able to express yourself with eloquent words. This actually makes people more attracted to you, as they see you as approachable, and triggers an instinct in people that want to help the helpless…

So, on your next journey, definitely download some apps and take our lessons to learn a few phrases, and try to use it at every opportunity. You might end up making friends that will last a lifetime!