Brit tourists red-faced at inability to 'speaka-da-lingo'
Many Britons are willing to try speaking the local language when overseas but many are still relying too heavily on English.
Friday 4 August 2017 15:04, UK
Almost half of British tourists overseas admit they are embarrassed that they cannot speak the language of the country they are visiting.
The poll, which was commissioned by the British Council and surveyed 1,768 UK adults, found that 46% admit they have been embarrassed at being unable to speak the local language.
Some 45% said they rely on the assumption that everyone will speak English in the country they are visiting and 29% said they have been too scared to even try speaking in the local language.
Around one in six said they can speak a foreign language to a high standard and 37% said they can hold a basic conversation in another tongue.
But others are left to try a range of other tactics to make themselves understood in a foreign country - 56% pointed at a menu to avoid pronouncing foreign words; 42% had resorted to speaking English more slowly and loudly than usual and 15% said that had tried speaking English in a foreign accent.
Vicky Gough, schools adviser at the British Council, said: "It's great that many of us are willing to have a go at speaking the local language while overseas. It's a meaningful gesture that will help you get the most from your holiday.
"But too many of us are still relying too heavily on English alone. And if this means we're missing out on holiday, imagine the effect that our lack of language skills is having on the UK more widely.
"Speaking other languages not only gives you an understanding of other cultures but is good for business and for life too.
"Trying out a few words or phrases on holiday this summer, and encouraging our young people to do the same, is the perfect way to get started."