Brits don’t learn language of country they are visiting

Posted 17 Aug 2010

In a new survey by Hotels.com, released on August 17th, it was found that the majority of Brits travelling overseas do not attempt to speak the local language.

A total of 35 per cent of those asked learn the local language but get too embarrassed to use it when abroad and another 28 per cent do not attempt to learn it at all.

Hopefully, those moving abroad to teach English will learn a few key phrases before they leave and they will no doubt pick up language skills while living overseas.

The survey also found that 20 per cent attempt to revert back to their native tongue whenever possible and the most used phrase is 'Can you speak English?'

Alison Couper, communications director at the firm, said: "People have become more adventurous in where they travel in recent years, but it seems the language skills have yet to catch up."

For those who plan to teach English in China in the coming months, Lonely Planet has launched a new series of guidebooks.

These new books contain translations for common phrases used in the provinces of China.
 

Category: Moving Abroad