Do not point at sentences, speak them and learn.
I am using a standardized list of words in the native language which
not only contains the basics (salutations, farewells, thanks,
yes, no, sorry, help, watch out !), but names of
characters (for spelling), numbers, locations, time, colors
and directions. For each word I write down how it is best
spoken in my native language.
I really find it invaluable, it does not matter how bad it
is spoken the first time. If you start speaking in the native
language, it a) signalises that you are really interested in
the people, their land and their culture and do not simply
want to watch them or treat them as part of the scenery and
b) is very disarming because you are willing to take the
risk of bad language and embarass yourself for trying to
communicate with them (Only theoretically; I have never
encountered someone in 20 years who did hold bad language
against me). Especially smaller countries and cultures
take it very positively that you use at least salutations
and farewells.
You will learn very fast how it is correctly spoken and
use it the next time. First you need to read them again,
then you do not need the list most of the time.
It is very likely that the key sentences will
stick in your memory, I still know the Polish and
Danish key sentences.
Once you at least tried to communicate, the people are
much more open to help out, then they will also accept
speaking other languages, use sign language or that
you point out sentences.