Jacque in Jakarta: The Importance of Language

I have always been an advocate of language learning. I generally like to consider myself above the curve when it comes to languages, seeing as I am fluent in two foreign languages and have a basic knowledge of a few more. However, basic isn't always good enough when living in a foreign country.

I have now lived in Jakarta nearly two months. Unfortunately, I haven't had a lot of time to study the language. However, in the short amount of time I've been here, I have been able to pick up a handful of vocabulary. As they say, "Necessity is the father of invention", or in my case, the father of language aquisition.

Some of the first vocabulary I learned was numbers. Numbers are especially important in a society where bargaining is prevalent. But three of the most important words I've learned are "kiri", "canan", and "terus", which mean left, right and straight.

As I explained in a previous post, I normally take the angkot to work. Though sometimes, it is nice to take a taxi, and sometimes we have to go to a new place where the angkot route is unknown. Thus, the ability to give directions is very important.

The first few times we took a taxi, we got a little ride around Jakarta. It should take 20-30 minutes in a taxi to get to work, and cost no more than 30,000 IDR (3USD), but it has taken us nearly an hour and cost 50,000 IDR (5USD). Some might say, "What's the big deal? It's still cheap", but the problem is that every little bit adds up and it's more the principal of the matter. Just because I'm white, doesn't mean I have a lot of money. And just because I don't speak the language, doesn't mean a driver has the right to take me any route to make some extra money.

The Blue Bird Group is supposed to be the most reputable taxi company, but we have still had problems with them. There are a few other companies such as Express and Taxiku that are pretty good, but there are always bad apples. So, the long and short of it is, when in a foreign country, learn the language. Or at the very least, learn the important vocabulary.