Language barrier: Brits abroad know only a handful of foreign phrases

Add to My Stories The average British tourist heading abroad this summer will speak less than ten key phrases of the native language, a study revealed today.
Researchers polled 3,000 people who are travelling on foreign holidays this year on their ability to speak the local lingo.
And it emerged that millions of us will jet off to Europe and beyond this summer with barely more than a limited grasp of the native tongue.

Que? A survey has revealed the typical Brit knows only ten French words or phrases, six Spanish and just three ItalianWorryingly, while only one in six would be able to ask a local for directions to the hospital, more than half could competently order a beer or glass of wine in a bar or restaurant.
The study by Sheilas' Wheels travel insurance, also found that the typical Brit knows only ten French words or phrases, six Spanish and just three Italian.
Incredibly, two thirds of the holidaymakers polled refuse to learn local languages before trips abroad.

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Spokeswoman Jacky Brown said: 'The results of this study put holidaymakers to shame, considering that these destinations - France, Spain, Italy and Germany - are all visited regularly by British people.

THE AVERAGE BRIT'S FOREIGN VOCABULARY

FRENCH
Hello (Bonjour)
Goodbye (Au revoir)
Yes (Oui)
Thank you (Merci)
My name is... (Je m'appelle...)
Do you speak English? (Parlez-vous Anglais?)
Good evening (Bon soir)
Wine (Vin)
What time is it? (Quelle heure est-il?)
SPANISHHello (Hola)
Yes (Si)
Thank you (Gracias)
Goodbye (Adios)
Good morning (Bu! enas dia s)
Good evening (Buenos noches)
GERMANHello (Guten tag)
Yes (Ja)
Thank you (Danke)
Goodbye (Auf weidersehen)
Good morning (Guten morgen)
My name is (Ich heisse)
Good evening (Guten abend)
ITALIANHello (Salve)
Goodbye (Arrivederci)
Yes (Si)'We know English is one of the most known languages internationally, but it's rude and sometimes dangerous of us to assume that everyone understands English when travelling abroad.
'More importantly, if holidaymakers don't have the most basic knowledge of local languages, it is worrying that they will not be able to communicate in an emergency.'
The report found the average holidaymaker only knows six phrases or words in Spanish, despite a fifth claiming it is their all-time favourite holiday destination.
At best, all people can muster up is the Spanish equivalent to 'hello', 'yes', 'goodbye', 'thank you', 'good morning' and 'good evening'.
But the majority are unable to ask where the local chemist is, request a doctor or tell anyone they are lost.
Despite it being a 'school language' the average Brit can only confidently say ten words in French, despite it being a regular holiday spot for one in ten people.
And 11 per cent of people are particularly fond of taking a two week break in Italy - but on average are only able to recognise or use three words.
The one in twenty people who enjoy trips to Germany can only speak six words of the local language.
The poll also revealed more than half of holidaymakers (51 per cent) rarely bother to learn any local words and phrases before visiting a foreign country.
And one quarter would be more concerned about how to ask for a beer than asking about flight times or being able to tell someone they have lost their keys.
Unfortunately 46 per cent of holidaymakers admit they would be uncomfortable visiting restaurants and hotels abroad if the staff couldn't speak any English, while 22 per cent only visit places where they will have acce! ss to En glish speaking people.

Parlay voo Onglaze? 46 per cent of holidaymakers admit they don't like visiting hotels abroad if the staff can't speak EnglishIncredibly, when abroad a fifth of people (20 per cent) will only eat in an establishment with English menus and staff.
One in ten holidaymakers have walked out of somewhere because they couldn't understand anything.
Unbelievably, one in 20 people claim not to know a single word in French - not even 'bonjour' or 'oui'.Similarly 14 per cent can't speak any Spanish at all, claiming not to understand simple phrases such as 'gracias' or 'por favor'. A third of Brits don't know any Italian at all, while a fifth can't speak any German.Jacky Brown added: 'There is a lot of pressure on holidaymakers to be able to speak fluently in a foreign language for the country they're visiting - but with the hectic lifestyles many of us lead it's not always possible.'Our research shows that nearly half of holidaymakers usually carry aforeign language book when going on holiday, and we would recommend everyone does this as a matter of course.
'The language barriers may make it difficult to communicate should anything unfortunate happen - so for peace of mind, it's vital for holidaymakers to make sure they've got travel insurance and double check what they arecovered for, as while you can't plan for every eventuality, you can make sure you have done everything you can before leaving the UK.'