Language used to be a barrier when traveling or living abroad in a place like Ecuador.
Not anymore.
Not with todays technology.
Even 2 or 3 years ago had nothing on what we got today.
Here are my favorite 5 apps for your smart-phone that will seriously break any communication barriers you have in foreign countries…
Without you having to study the local language even for a minute!
5. Word Lens. This is a truly amazing free app you download to your phone and afterward you just hover your phone over text written in a different language, and this app will make the text magically appear in the language of your choice. And its accurate too! Amazing.
4. Translator App from Google. This free app is amazing! Want to say something in Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese or in one of several dozen other languages supported by this app? Thought you had to study, and actually learn that sh·t? , take courses? Hahaha, not anymore man. All you have to do is say the sentence or words you want to say in English and this app will put your words to text, then translate your words to text in the other language AND then it will say the words you want to say in the other language. And its amazingly accurate! You may look wierd talking through your phone to someone but its still cool to hear yourself say anything you want in a language like Arabic or Chinese, let alone an easy one like Spanish. And yes, you can turn it around and have people speak into your phone in their language and the app can spit out what they´re saying in English too! Love this one.
3. Busuu. If you do feel like actually studing a foreign language then the best FREE program Ive found that you can download right to your phone is the Busuu app. Dozens of colorful interactive courses await you, a great way to kill time while on a plane or bus.
2. OneSpeak. OneSpeak is an interesting little app that is meant to get you out of a pinch in a foreign country by communicating for the basics by pointing to universally understood pictures.
1. WhatsApp / Viber / Skype apps. I grouped these together because for most they all do pretty much the same thing. Once installed on your phone (free) WhatsApp is a free instant messaging service based off your phone number which is quite popular in Ecuador. Viber is a service you can use to call for free to other Viber members from your phone over the net. Skype is the old-timer but stil arguably best VoIP service for free internet calling to other members and calls to other numbers outside Skype.
There you go.
Now you can communicate with non-English speakers… today!
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