Blog
Struggling with language barriers and non-verbal moments, the Rakun Talk app transformed how I communicate on and off travels.
As an autistic traveler with auditory processing disorder and periods of being non-verbal, communication in foreign countries always adds a layer of uncertainty and hence anxiety to the amazing experiences I’m looking forward to have.
Currently, I'm in Japan for a 10-day trip with a layover in Beijing, and I knew I that, yet again, I would be overwhelmed by the upcoming challenges in communication—language barriers, noisy environments, and the pressure to communicate quickly and clearly in airports, restaurants, and pharmacies.
This is when I started using the Rakun Talk app on a frequent basis. We developed the app for exactly this use case—whether it's difficulty understanding speech in crowded areas or struggling to express myself, Rakun Talk offers a way to communicate without relying on spoken words.
It’s built to help those who either don’t speak the language or, like me, sometimes can’t speak at all. This app provides a set of communication cards for common daily interactions—shopping, ordering food, asking for help—and allows me to customise my own cards for more specific needs.
Before my trip, I created a few custom cards that I knew I would need. For example, at the airport, I used a card explaining that I am autistic and need priority boarding to avoid sensory overload. Another card was for the pharmacy, ensuring I could communicate my need for specific medication (I prepared and researched beforehand under which name the meds go in Japan).
Initially, I felt awkward showing people my phone to communicate, unsure how they would react. However, the response was largely positive. People seemed to appreciate the clarity of the written message, and in some cases, it felt like they found written communication easier than verbal exchanges.
During my stay, I used Rakun Talk in various situations—from ordering food at a local café to navigating the loud and chaotic atmosphere of a ramen bar.
Even though basic English is often understood, the app significantly reduced the stress and anxiety I typically feel when I can't process spoken language. And maybe it even reduced the anxiety of my counterpart who were often non-native English speakers who struggled with listening comprehension, as well.
The ease of showing my card, rather than struggling with verbal conversation, made everyday tasks feel more manageable.
What surprised me the most was how well Rakun Talk worked compared to more common, broad tools like Google Translate. While Google Translate is incredibly versatile, it doesn’t account for non-verbal responses other than slow and awkward typing, and relying on its voice functions makes it still really hard to communicate if you're non-verbal.
Rakun Talk, on the other hand, is specifically designed for predictable but often a bit more complex interactions, making it much more user-friendly in real-world situations.
Rakun Talk has transformed how I navigate foreign environments, especially when I’m too overwhelmed to speak or unable to understand. Whether ordering food or explaining my sensory needs, the app has been a reliable companion throughout my travels.
If you face similar communication challenges, I highly recommend giving Rakun Talk a try—it might just become your new travel essential.
