- More than one in ten holidaymakers believe there is no point making an effort abroad as everyone speaks English
- Nearly two thirds of Brits feel embarrassed by their lack of linguistic ability
Despite our love of travel, over half (59 per cent) of Brits refuse to embrace local languages when on holiday, with over one in ten (12 per cent) holidaymakers claiming there is no point making an effort to speak the local lingo as everyone speaks English. Although, 16 per cent of monoglots are still happy to holiday in foreign speaking destinations nearly two thirds (62 per cent), are embarrassed by their inability to speak another language.
According to new research by travelsupermarket.com, almost half (45 per cent) of those who holiday abroad said that locals have acted negatively towards them because they don't make the effort to communicate in the local language. Despite this negative attitude towards Brits, a mere four per cent of those surveyed said their ideal holiday would be in an English speaking country.
French was revealed to be the most widely spoken language with over a quarter of respondents (27 per cent) saying they could speak enough to order a meal or hire a car. Furthermore, one in three over 60s proved that they are more inclined than their younger counterparts to 'parler le Francais', whilst tourists from Northern Ireland (36 per cent) top the UK league table as the most linguistically savvy.
Yet not all Brits categorically refuse to make an effort; up to 26 million holidaymakers still want to make some spoken gesture in non-English speaking destinations. Best efforts range from learning the basics and key phrases (38 per cent Welsh), or using a phrase book (18 per cent Londoners), to the more intent linguists who take time ahead of their departure to learn the local lingo (11 per cent South Westerners).
Unsurprisingly the under 20s are the best equipped to cope with foreign languages, with more than half (51 per cent) of those surveyed saying they can speak another language apart from English.
Bob Atkinson, travel expert at travelsupermarket.com, said: "Popular destinations among British tourists will often cater for the English speaking market with local hotel, restaurant and bar staff making an effort to engage with guests in English. Apart from making holidaymakers feel welcome, putting them at ease will often result in higher spending, bigger tips and a greater chance of a repeat visit.
"Although the survey may appear to show Brits in a disappointing light, there are some encouraging signs that British holidaymakers want to make more of an effort when abroad but simply lack the confidence.
"For those who do make the effort the result can prove invaluable when confirming travel plans or asking for directions."
-Ends-
Notes to Editors:
*Figure based on proportion of UK Adult population totalling 47,684,342 people
All figures unless stated otherwise are taken from research carried out on behalf of travelsupermarket.com by Opinium in October (14 - 16) 2009 amongst 2,012 adults residing in the UK.
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