Despite their reputation for not being fluent in other languages, British people surprisingly excel at ordering beer in multiple tongues. According to a new survey by Amazon, the average UK adult can order a beer in three different languages, with 10% capable of doing so in five or more. This, however, seems to be the extent of their multilingual prowess.
The survey, which included 75,000 Amazon workers in the UK, revealed that Brits are not particularly fluent in general, though they do make an effort to learn basic phrases when traveling abroad. Alex Rawlings, a travel and language expert, noted that respondents indicated knowing phrases like “excuse me”, “I don’t understand”, and “where is the toilet?” in an average of three languages. This, according to Rawlings, is a good starting point for those venturing into a foreign country.
Rawlings recommends mastering at least five phrases before a trip, emphasizing that effort goes a long way. Ben Walmsley, a participant in the survey, shared an experience where his limited Spanish skills helped him befriend the head waiter at a hotel in Benidorm. Despite his lack of fluency, Walmsley’s persistence and attempts at mimicking Spanish phrases earned him the waiter’s affection, ultimately leading to special treatment during his stay.
The survey also highlighted some common language pitfalls. Words like “fizzy” and “still” proved particularly tricky, with 38% of respondents making errors. Additionally, 27% struggled with “left” and “right”, while a quarter of participants stumbled over “please” and “thank you.” This suggests that politeness might be a strong suit for British travelers, even if their language skills are lacking.
Rawlings, who speaks 16 languages, provided insight into the factors hindering Brits from becoming more fluent. He attributed this to the ease with which English speakers are accommodated abroad, leading to a lack of motivation to learn other languages. However, he emphasized the numerous benefits of learning a foreign language, including mental stimulation and a richer travel experience.
Ultimately, the survey reveals a mixed picture of British language proficiency. While they may not be fluent, they demonstrate a willingness to try, proving that effort, even with imperfect skills, can lead to positive outcomes and memorable experiences.
