Language louts! How 14% of Brits abroad refuse to speak the local dialect

By Carol Driver for MailOnline

Published: 06:28 EST, 21 February 2014 | Updated: 06:30 EST, 21 February 2014

Fourteen per cent of Brits abroad refuse to speak the local language and shun regional delicacies, sticking to English food when on holiday, according to a new study.

Reinforcing the stereotype, one in seven British travellers is a ‘language lout’, who makes no effort to use foreign dialect when overseas. They expect English to be spoken, especially in Europe, and, if conversing with locals, they prefer to point at a phrase book or menu.

Cautious and unadventurous, language louts also refuse to step away from traditional British food – such as a Full English breakfast or burgers and chips – rebuffing local dishes, according to the DFDS Seaways study, which quizzed more than 2,000 holidaymakers.

Home from home: Little Britain cafe in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol, Spain

The Lost In Translation survey also revealed 52 per cent of British travellers are more willing to make an effort to learn key phrases in the regional dialect – such as hello, goodbye and thank you. And they’re also more likely to try local delicacies, regarding it as an important part of their trip.

When asked why it is important to converse in the local language, most people (68 per cent) surveyed said it was polite; part of the holiday experience (48 per cent); and that it connects people (35 per cent).

A quarter of those questioned fall into the ‘basic blaggers’ category, and don’t proactively embrace foreign languages, but will use the limited knowledge they have, usually learnt at school. While just 8 per cent are ‘total travellers’, who consider language to be integral to their holiday experience.

English experience: 14% of Brits won't try local cuisines while on holiday, according to the study

The report reveals that the biggest barrier when learning foreign languages for British holidaymakers is a lack of time, with 48 per cent of Brits saying they would like to learn another language but simply don’t have the time. 

Max Foster, DFDS Seaways spokesman, said: ‘Language is an integral part of the holiday for many of our passengers, especially those who like to immerse themselves in the different cultures and cuisines of the places they visit.’