When you’re playing basketball overseas, the term “journeyman” takes on a whole new meaning. The reality is that most contracts, especially for rookies, are short-term—often just for one season. Even veteran players rarely secure multi-year deals, which means you might find yourself bouncing from country to country, year after year. With this constant movement, many players don’t see the point in learning the language of the country they’re playing in. Why invest time in something that might not be useful next season?
I get it. It’s a common mindset, but I’ve found that learning the local language can be incredibly valuable, even if you’re only in one place for a short time. Let me share a bit about my own experience and why I believe it’s worth the effort.
My Language Journey: From Hesitation to Fluency
When I first arrived to Austria, I had no intention of sticking around for long. My plan was simple: put up great stats and move on to Italy or somewhere else the next season. Learning German didn’t seem necessary. But life has a funny way of changing our plans. Just two months into my stint, I broke my tibia, and suddenly, my future looked a lot different. Instead of moving on, I found myself signing a new contract from my hospital bed, knowing I’d be in Austria for at least another season.
That’s when my attitude toward learning the language shifted. I wanted to be independent, to navigate daily life without constantly relying on teammates for translation or help. Plus, I realized that if I was going to be in Austria longer than expected, I might as well make the most of it.
Tips for Learning a New Language While Playing Overseas
1. Watch Local TV Shows (Especially Ones You Know):
I never took a formal German class, but I learned a lot just by watching TV in German. One of my secrets? Watching The Simpsons in German. I already knew the episodes, so I could figure out what words and phrases meant based on what Bart was saying. It sounds simple, but it works. Start with shows or movies you’ve seen before in English and switch to the local language.
2. Read the Local Sports Page:
Another strategy that worked for me was reading the sports section of the local newspaper. I started with basketball articles because I could guess what they were talking about based on how the game went. This not only improved my vocabulary but also helped me understand sentence structure and context. As I got better, I branched out to other topics, and my language skills improved quickly.
3. Befriend Locals and Ask Questions:
After my injury, I lived with a teammate’s family for several months. The mom didn’t speak any English, so I had to learn how to communicate with her. This immersion was invaluable—I picked up on grammar, sentence structure, and everyday phrases just by being around native speakers. Don’t be shy about asking locals for help with the language. They’ll likely appreciate your effort and be happy to help.
4. Listen to How Fellow Americans Speak the Language:
I was lucky to have a couple of American teammates who had been in Austria for a while and spoke the language, albeit with a strong American accent. Hearing them speak German helped me a lot, even if it was just to learn how not to say certain things! Listening to someone who shares your native accent can make it easier to grasp the pronunciation and rhythm of the new language.
5. Use Modern Tools and Resources:
Back when I first started playing overseas, I carried around a small English-German dictionary everywhere I went. Nowadays, you’ve got Google Translator or apps like Duolingo that can help you learn a language on the go. You don’t need to spend hours a day studying—just a few minutes daily can add up. By the end of the season, you might not be fluent, but you’ll be able to handle basic conversations and impress your family when you visit home.
Why Bother Learning the Language?
I understand that not everyone wants to invest time in learning a new language each year, especially if you’re bouncing from country to country. But for me, learning German opened doors that would have remained closed otherwise. It helped me build stronger connections with teammates, fans, and even the local community. Plus, being able to speak the language can sometimes play a role in contract negotiations—teams love it when their foreign players become part of the local identity.
As a pro athlete, you’ll have the time to learn a new language—it’s just a question of whether you’re willing to put in the effort. I hope these tips inspire you to consider embracing the local language wherever you play. It’s not just about learning words; it’s about making the most of your time overseas and enriching your experience in ways you might not expect.
So, if you’re looking to make your overseas journey more rewarding, consider giving the local language a try. Who knows where it might lead you?