Traveller T-Shirt With 40 Icons Lets You Communicate In Any Country Even If You Don’t Speak Its Language
I wish I had this shirt when I was in Afghanistan. In 2009, we were situated in a little Observation Post somewhere in Kandahar for a week or two at a time, with nothing but rations to fill our bellies. After many days and much elaborate drawing, I finally managed to communicate to a local Afghan National Army soldier that we were interested in real food. For the rest of our stay, and for just a few dollars per week, we were treated to hot meals twice per day. But had I had this IconSpeak shirt, weeks of eating cold rations could have been avoided.
IconSpeak is a useful T-shirt printed with 40 universal icons, perfect for those occasions when you don’t speak the local language and have forgotten how to sign “I think there’s a problem with my carburettor.” The shirt was thought up by three Swiss “pen-pushers” over numerous drinks and after an adventure with a broken-down motorcycle, somewhere in Vietnam. Read a little bit of their story below:
“Many times we were confronted with a language barrier that was only to be overcome by drawing signs, symbols or icons on a piece of paper, map, or into the dirt,” explain George, Steven, and Florian. “We thought it would be great to have an essential set of icons with you, permanently, so that you could just point on whatever you need – and people would understand. Soon the notepad was pulled out again and we started listing more or less essential icons that would have been of great help during not just ours, but basically anyone’s trip.”
More info: iconspeak.world (h/t: ufunk)
“In the discussion and selection process we came across some icons that were on the long list” IconSpeak told Bored Panda
“Don’t make something unless its both necessary, and useful”
“But if it is both necessary and useful, don’t hesitate to make it beautiful”
“We decided to really make the world edition ‘essential’”
“Imagine if you had to choose several animal icons – where would you stop?”
“We aim to develop a icon language that can be used and understood all over the world”
“To see now that this is really happening is a big pleasure”
“We invite individuals and institutions from all over the world to participate in this venture”
Bored Panda would like to thank the IconSpeak team for this interview!
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It seems like a good idea at first glance, but I don't want to wear clothing that screams, "I'm a tourist and I don't understand the language!" I'd be afraid it would make me a bigger target for pick-pocketers and other ill-intentioned characters.
Wearing a shirt with icons on it doesn't make people think you're a tourist. For all they know, you could just be wearing a shirt.
Load More Replies...
Uhm... Cute idea, but would look awkward on me. The icons would be less visible on my curved front and I'd have to drag my shirt to flatten it every time of I don't wanna look like pointing on my breasts...
How about just print these images on a small piece of paper that stays in your wallet?
Obviously made by men for men, with no women in mind. Pointing at the camera would be like "Look at my boobs!" seriously people would get the wrong impression.
Just download Trip Icons for $1 instead of paying $33 and having to wear the same t-shirt every day on your trip...
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/trip-icons/id1068047965?mt=8
Load More Replies...
IMHO it's better to produce the icon in a series of card just like playing cards/UNO. Put it in your bag. Use it anytime you want. More colorful and bigger picture. And also you can arrange them on the table, convert icons into a sentence.
and yet no icon for a washing machine to clean the shirt after a couple days wear
Cool concept but I agree with just having a print out of it.. You don't want an excuse for strangers to touch you when they try to "icon speak" back
The icons can be combined, like pointing out to a bus icon and moon ... is there any transportation at night? And so on
I recently created a mobile app that essentially works the same way. It's currently available free for iPhone & iPad. Android version coming soon. iconbabel.com
IconSpeak is an awesome T-shirt with 40 universal icons printed on it, which will help you communicate easily around the world when you are traveling! >Stop thinking! Buy it right now, ending soon! https://teespring.com/new-travel-with-icon-speak-shi
And an additional downside is them responding to you, you may not understand their response.
Seems cool but think I would just wear if where im from and to the bar to pick up chicks. Other than that, I can find my way around just about anywhere and get what I need.
One travels to learn different culture.. This concept is ignorant. Part of the journey is about being lost in translation. Tolerance grows!
Most of the icons can be easily expressed in pantomime to get the message across.
contact me if you need apartment and condo in Cambodia, i am soka keang.
my name is soka keang, nice to know you all here. I am from cambodia,if you want ti visit in cambodia and you want to find Apartment or condo for living, you can contact me. Tel: 093709343
You are creative and the tees are good idea for non speaking languages. And those who cant speak. This give new ideas to make it.
I made an Android app that basically does the same thing. Plus, you can combine up to three icons to make more complex requests. And the icons can be translated to 18 languages, in case the icon is not clear enough. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mh.com.talk_with_icons_free
I made an Android app that basically does the same thing. Plus, you can combine up to three icons to make more complex requests. And the icons can be translated to 18 languages, in case the icon is not clear enough. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mh.com.talk_with_icons_free
Wow, for such a light hearted fun idea there are a lot of haters! Not that I would want to wear it everyday but I think it would be an interesting social experience ????
For a different purpose - ladies check out bravebetty.com
Load More Replies...
Very cool. Would need a print out as well. Can't wear same shirt every day.????
Guys guys guys!We founded issues that fitt our personality when's about interacting with people and given alternatives as books and manuals or pick pocketed by someone which can see I'm a tourist...what about: HEY!I DOT SPEAK YOUR LANGUAGE BUT I'M WELL INTENTIONED AND COOL!LET'S GRAB A BEER AND HAVE SOME FUNN!Peace and love and stay positive guys.Is a collective evolution kind of project
Can you please just make this an app that I can put on my smartphone? Thanks!
IconSpeak is an awesome T-shirt with 40 universal icons printed on it, which will help you communicate easily around the world when you are traveling! >Stop thinking! Buy it right now! https://teespring.com/new-travel-with-icon-speak-shi
found the shirt to buy: US & Canada: https://t.co/LmDbpCzVhv EU: https://t.co/0tajXynbDg
Thought their version was overpriced so I made my own version at travellershirt.com with better icons (no offense to the swiss guys haha)
Just bought it here: https://teespring.com/multi-languages-travel-t-shirt
Just bought it here https://teespring.com/multi-languages-travel-t-shirt
Here's a free app that does the same thing :-) http://www.thenomadway.com/travel-symbols.php
Just bought it here https://viralstyle.com/mr-h/travel-t-shirts
Load More Replies...
Love it... Express a sense of humour and that warms people to each other ...
Pretty cool but I have an idea! How about you get off your lazy a*s and pick up a translation book before you go to another country. Do you have a smart phone? Come join us in the modern world you pathetic people you.
Sometimes in a very remote area or in the forest/mountain etc. They do bring their smartphones, but they got no electricity to recharge. That's why a "hard copy" product still very useful.
Load More Replies...
Just bought it here https://viralstyle.com/mr-h/travel-t-shirts
Load More Replies...
Printing on a piece of paper is a good alternative, or take a picture of it with your phone/tablet.
Hi , This shirt is already here ► https://teespring.com/new-traveler-t-shirt
Just bought it here https://viralstyle.com/mr-h/travel-t-shirts
Load More Replies...
This is a novel idea! I think it's incredibly smart--but my only issue is that I wouldn't want to wear the same thing every day. I agree with @Sophie Shaw--the small piece of paper would suit my needs best!
Reading from left up: Let's ride by bike (it could be hot) to sleep in my house. We will listen to music and take common bath. After night I'll get you back by motorbike, take some photos and we could make love again before dinner. If it rains, I'll take a car. We can have peacefull time with beer. Buses are dangerous because of much fuel xhng56y Let's play footbal and drink cofee. I work hard as a farmer, I'm skilled in mechanics and learn much to stay a doctor. Then I will have a job in office. etc... Small talk works in very small cities ;-)
OK, how about printing icons on a sash or scarf. Would still be handy, but easier to take on and off, or conceal if desired.
An interesting idea, very low tech, but I think the icon selection could be better and more comprehensive and comprehesible.
Cool idea but it could just as easily be made in to a pocket book format or map style format - which then could be concealed in a bag or a piece of clothing. To be fair most north americans are easy to pick out because we wear jeans almost everywhere we travel. Europeans wear trousers a lot more than we do - and you will rarely see an adult male wandering around anywhere but the golf course, his garden or the beach in shorts.
It's just a nice shirt but I don't think it's useful to communicate. You better use this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=en.Transidiomexpress.Transidiomexpress
So how do they tell you about what you are pointing to if they don't speak the same language?
so if you point on a menu card and on the flame = is this hot)spice most people know yes and no in english or can shake there head . so its a yes and know tshirt
Load More Replies...
It's a great concept but I don't understand why you would point to certain icons - like the moon and stars. What's that supposed to say? Why would you point to a tree? Or rain?
An American in a sombrero talking to a local lady and pointing to an icon of a bed. Lovely.
sucks. just learn some bloody language. Otherwise, whats the point of leaving the house. Just stay inside and watch discovery channel.
Like in Idiocracy! The girl at the hospital that had a speaker box around her neck because she was too dumb to speak checked Joe into the hospital like she was entering a fast food order. Lol :D idiocracyH...175282.jpg 
If only we had some kind of shirt of icons that Yasmin could point to in order to help us understand her point...
Load More Replies... It seems like a good idea at first glance, but I don't want to wear clothing that screams, "I'm a tourist and I don't understand the language!" I'd be afraid it would make me a bigger target for pick-pocketers and other ill-intentioned characters.
Wearing a shirt with icons on it doesn't make people think you're a tourist. For all they know, you could just be wearing a shirt.
Load More Replies... Uhm... Cute idea, but would look awkward on me. The icons would be less visible on my curved front and I'd have to drag my shirt to flatten it every time of I don't wanna look like pointing on my breasts...
How about just print these images on a small piece of paper that stays in your wallet?
Obviously made by men for men, with no women in mind. Pointing at the camera would be like "Look at my boobs!" seriously people would get the wrong impression.
Just download Trip Icons for $1 instead of paying $33 and having to wear the same t-shirt every day on your trip...
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/trip-icons/id1068047965?mt=8
Load More Replies... IMHO it's better to produce the icon in a series of card just like playing cards/UNO. Put it in your bag. Use it anytime you want. More colorful and bigger picture. And also you can arrange them on the table, convert icons into a sentence.
and yet no icon for a washing machine to clean the shirt after a couple days wear
Cool concept but I agree with just having a print out of it.. You don't want an excuse for strangers to touch you when they try to "icon speak" back
The icons can be combined, like pointing out to a bus icon and moon ... is there any transportation at night? And so on
I recently created a mobile app that essentially works the same way. It's currently available free for iPhone & iPad. Android version coming soon. iconbabel.com
IconSpeak is an awesome T-shirt with 40 universal icons printed on it, which will help you communicate easily around the world when you are traveling! >Stop thinking! Buy it right now, ending soon! https://teespring.com/new-travel-with-icon-speak-shi
And an additional downside is them responding to you, you may not understand their response.
Seems cool but think I would just wear if where im from and to the bar to pick up chicks. Other than that, I can find my way around just about anywhere and get what I need.
One travels to learn different culture.. This concept is ignorant. Part of the journey is about being lost in translation. Tolerance grows!
Most of the icons can be easily expressed in pantomime to get the message across.
contact me if you need apartment and condo in Cambodia, i am soka keang.
my name is soka keang, nice to know you all here. I am from cambodia,if you want ti visit in cambodia and you want to find Apartment or condo for living, you can contact me. Tel: 093709343
You are creative and the tees are good idea for non speaking languages. And those who cant speak. This give new ideas to make it.
I made an Android app that basically does the same thing. Plus, you can combine up to three icons to make more complex requests. And the icons can be translated to 18 languages, in case the icon is not clear enough. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mh.com.talk_with_icons_free
I made an Android app that basically does the same thing. Plus, you can combine up to three icons to make more complex requests. And the icons can be translated to 18 languages, in case the icon is not clear enough. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mh.com.talk_with_icons_free
Wow, for such a light hearted fun idea there are a lot of haters! Not that I would want to wear it everyday but I think it would be an interesting social experience ????
For a different purpose - ladies check out bravebetty.com
Load More Replies... Very cool. Would need a print out as well. Can't wear same shirt every day.????
Guys guys guys!We founded issues that fitt our personality when's about interacting with people and given alternatives as books and manuals or pick pocketed by someone which can see I'm a tourist...what about: HEY!I DOT SPEAK YOUR LANGUAGE BUT I'M WELL INTENTIONED AND COOL!LET'S GRAB A BEER AND HAVE SOME FUNN!Peace and love and stay positive guys.Is a collective evolution kind of project
Can you please just make this an app that I can put on my smartphone? Thanks!
IconSpeak is an awesome T-shirt with 40 universal icons printed on it, which will help you communicate easily around the world when you are traveling! >Stop thinking! Buy it right now! https://teespring.com/new-travel-with-icon-speak-shi
found the shirt to buy: US & Canada: https://t.co/LmDbpCzVhv EU: https://t.co/0tajXynbDg
Thought their version was overpriced so I made my own version at travellershirt.com with better icons (no offense to the swiss guys haha)
Just bought it here: https://teespring.com/multi-languages-travel-t-shirt
Just bought it here https://teespring.com/multi-languages-travel-t-shirt
Here's a free app that does the same thing :-) http://www.thenomadway.com/travel-symbols.php
Just bought it here https://viralstyle.com/mr-h/travel-t-shirts
Load More Replies... Love it... Express a sense of humour and that warms people to each other ...
Pretty cool but I have an idea! How about you get off your lazy a*s and pick up a translation book before you go to another country. Do you have a smart phone? Come join us in the modern world you pathetic people you.
Sometimes in a very remote area or in the forest/mountain etc. They do bring their smartphones, but they got no electricity to recharge. That's why a "hard copy" product still very useful.
Load More Replies... Just bought it here https://viralstyle.com/mr-h/travel-t-shirts
Load More Replies... Printing on a piece of paper is a good alternative, or take a picture of it with your phone/tablet.
Hi , This shirt is already here ► https://teespring.com/new-traveler-t-shirt
Just bought it here https://viralstyle.com/mr-h/travel-t-shirts
Load More Replies... This is a novel idea! I think it's incredibly smart--but my only issue is that I wouldn't want to wear the same thing every day. I agree with @Sophie Shaw--the small piece of paper would suit my needs best!
Reading from left up: Let's ride by bike (it could be hot) to sleep in my house. We will listen to music and take common bath. After night I'll get you back by motorbike, take some photos and we could make love again before dinner. If it rains, I'll take a car. We can have peacefull time with beer. Buses are dangerous because of much fuel xhng56y Let's play footbal and drink cofee. I work hard as a farmer, I'm skilled in mechanics and learn much to stay a doctor. Then I will have a job in office. etc... Small talk works in very small cities ;-)
OK, how about printing icons on a sash or scarf. Would still be handy, but easier to take on and off, or conceal if desired.
An interesting idea, very low tech, but I think the icon selection could be better and more comprehensive and comprehesible.
Cool idea but it could just as easily be made in to a pocket book format or map style format - which then could be concealed in a bag or a piece of clothing. To be fair most north americans are easy to pick out because we wear jeans almost everywhere we travel. Europeans wear trousers a lot more than we do - and you will rarely see an adult male wandering around anywhere but the golf course, his garden or the beach in shorts.
It's just a nice shirt but I don't think it's useful to communicate. You better use this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=en.Transidiomexpress.Transidiomexpress
So how do they tell you about what you are pointing to if they don't speak the same language?
so if you point on a menu card and on the flame = is this hot)spice most people know yes and no in english or can shake there head . so its a yes and know tshirt
Load More Replies... It's a great concept but I don't understand why you would point to certain icons - like the moon and stars. What's that supposed to say? Why would you point to a tree? Or rain?
An American in a sombrero talking to a local lady and pointing to an icon of a bed. Lovely.
sucks. just learn some bloody language. Otherwise, whats the point of leaving the house. Just stay inside and watch discovery channel.
Like in Idiocracy! The girl at the hospital that had a speaker box around her neck because she was too dumb to speak checked Joe into the hospital like she was entering a fast food order. Lol :D idiocracyH...175282.jpg
If only we had some kind of shirt of icons that Yasmin could point to in order to help us understand her point...
Load More Replies...
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