What Should I Talk About with Foreigners?

Engaging with foreigners can be both exciting and challenging. The key lies in finding common ground and respecting cultural differences. Here are some suggestions on how to start a conversation that is both engaging and culturally relevant:

Cultural Exchange

Bring up the topic of cultural traditions and festivals. Ask your interlocutor about their cultural practices and share your own experiences and customs. This opens the door to a fascinating exchange and mutual understanding. For example, you could ask:

"Do you have any unique holiday traditions that you’d like to share? I love learning about different cultural practices."

This can lead to rich discussions and insights into the world.

Travel Experiences

Discussing the places you've visited can forge a strong connection. Share your favorite destinations or ask for recommendations from your interlocutor. This not only breaks the ice but also provides an opportunity to explore new locations together.

"Tell me about the best place you've ever visited. I'm always on the lookout for new travel destinations!"

Food

Talking about food is a universal bond. Discuss local cuisines, favorite dishes, and cooking tips. Food can be a delightful way to connect over shared tastes and experiences.

"I recently tried a new dish that I absolutely loved. It's a traditional dish from my hometown. Have you tried it before? I could invite you over and cook it for you if you're interested."

Current Events

Depending on the context, discussing recent news or global events can lead to interesting conversations. This shows that you are engaged with the world around you and open to sharing your thoughts.

"What do you think about the latest developments in global climate change? It's an issue that affects us all."

Hobbies and Interests

Explore shared interests such as sports, music, movies, or books. This can help find common ground and deepen the conversation.

"I'm into hiking and exploring nature. Have you tried any scenic trails lately?"

Language

If you’re both learning each other’s languages, discussing language learning experiences can be fun and educational. This shows mutual interest and respect.

"I've been studying Japanese for a few years now. What are your experiences with learning English?"

Future Plans

Talk about aspirations, travel plans, or career goals. This can lead to deeper discussions about life choices and dreams, making the conversation more personal and engaging.

"What are your long-term goals and dreams? I'd love to hear about them."

Local Recommendations

If they are visiting your area, offer suggestions on places to visit or things to do. This can be a helpful guide for them and also show your local knowledge and hospitality.

"If you're new to the area, I can recommend some great local restaurants and cultural attractions."

Social Issues

Discussing social issues or challenges in your respective countries can provide insights and foster understanding. This can be a platform for deeper, more meaningful conversations.

"I've been reading a lot about the impact of social media on society these days. What are your thoughts on that?"

Personal Stories

Sharing personal experiences or anecdotes can create a more intimate and engaging conversation. It shows a human side and can lead to a more profound connection.

"I remember a time when I faced a similar challenge. Would you like to hear about it?"

Remember, there isn't one way of speaking to people who are from your country and another way of speaking to people who are not. In your mind, the world may be divided into the people of your country and foreigners, but in reality, the world is made up of hundreds of different countries and each country is made up of thousands or millions of different people.

Personally, I appreciate it when people talk to me primarily as an individual rather than as a foreigner or even as an Englishman. When someone starts a conversation by talking about my dog, for example, we often end up discussing a variety of topics:

"So, what kind of dog is it? Have you been taking it for walks?"

Once the conversation starts, it flows naturally from one topic to another. Others might be interested in knowing where I come from, what I'm doing in Japan, or what I think about Brexit. It all depends on their curiosity and what sparks their interest.

So, the next time you're talking to a foreigner, try to look at the person as an individual with unique thoughts and experiences. It may just make your conversation much more interesting and fulfilling!

By being respectful and open-minded, you can create a meaningful and enriching conversation that transcends cultural differences. After all, the diversity of the world is one of its greatest assets.