Check out the Me No Speak language guides. Currently available for Japan, Thailand, and China (just in time for the Olympics!), the Me No Speak tourist guides allow you to communicate with the locals without having to learn the language. Just flip to the page you want containing pictures and English written common tourist questions, phrases, destinations, and foods, then point to the phrase written in the country’s native language.
No need for botched pronunciations from weak transliterations or crazy foreigner miming like a drunk game of charades- just point at the phrase. It’s that easy. Each guide is tailored to the specifications of the country it’s for, so these are not generic one size fits all guides- they are well thought out and useful. A great idea!
Buy them for under $10 at Amazon: Me No Speak Guides
I hope that Esperanto is included?
Especially as the Beijing Olympics has appointed an Esperanto translator!
This can be seen at http://www.lernu.net
Interestingly as well nine British MP’s have nominated Esperanto for the Nobel Peace Prize 2008
Yes, this kind of travel language manual could be very helpful when in a place of totally different language. But still, it’s more interesting to interact with local people. One good option is finding a local tourist guide that speaks boty my language and the local language. That’s very helpful.
http://www.ourexplorer.com
local guides, local wisdom