Brits Rarely Speak the Local Language When Abroad

Brits rarely attempt to speak to the locals in their own language when abroad, one expert has claimed.

According to online comparison website Travelsupermarket.com, because English is a "world language" and the fact Brits are not pushed to learn foreign languages to a decent standard in school we have become lazy in this department.

Bob Atkinson, a travel expert for Travelsupermarket.com, said: "If you go away… everybody speaks to you immediately in English, (so) however hard you are trying… you are going to give up anyway."

He explained how this might mean that Brits become isolated from the local culture of the country they are visiting.

"If you are not going out then you are not going to speak to people are you? All-inclusive holidays would be symptomatic of that."

However, Mr Atkinson did add that Brits are "known historically" for getting off the beaten track and exploring the world.

According to the Expedia 2007 Best Tourist League, Brits feature in the top five worst holidaymakers in the world, owing to their noisy behaviour and tendency to be untidy.

Travel Industry News posted on 15/05/2008 15:05:35