Nearly Half of Brits Avoid Learning the Local Language While Traveling
Key Findings:
- Almost 50% of Brits travel abroad yearly, but a quarter avoid speaking the local language due to fear of embarrassment.
- New research reveals 22% of Brits want to learn a foreign language but hesitate because of fear.
- 36% of Brits who try speaking another language abroad report feeling happier, with 20% feeling proud of their efforts.
Ahead of the European Day of Languages, Heathrow Express is addressing this gap in language skills by offering a unique opportunity for travellers. Heathrow Express, the fastest route from Central London to Heathrow, is launching a series of Express Learning Linguistics masterclasses. These bookable, 15-minute lessons are designed to help Brits gain confidence in their language skills, offering 15 useful phrases for travel in just the time it takes to get from London Paddington to Heathrow.
Overcoming the Fear of Embarrassment
Despite the widespread enthusiasm for travelling abroad, nearly 23% of Brits feel anxious about learning or speaking the local language while travelling. This fear often stems from concerns about making mistakes and being embarrassed, with 42% of the population admitting they simply don’t feel confident enough in their language abilities to try.
However, research commissioned by Heathrow Express found that speaking the local language can significantly enhance a travel experience. Nearly two in five (43%) Brits attempt to learn key phrases before they travel, with some (12%) even going the extra mile to become as fluent as possible during their trips. This small effort pays off, as many travellers report discovering hidden local treasures and enjoying more authentic experiences when they engage with locals in their native language.
A Partnership for Linguistic Empowerment
In collaboration with Wouter Corduwener, a self-taught polyglot who speaks an impressive 29 languages, Heathrow Express aims to encourage more Brits to brush up on their linguistic skills. The 15-minute masterclass is free and available to anyone who follows Heathrow Express on Instagram. Participants can quickly learn practical phrases to make their next trip more enjoyable and culturally immersive.
Speaking about his role, Wouter Corduwener expressed his excitement: “My goal has always been to motivate people to try learning and speaking foreign languages. Whenever travellers share their stories with me, they talk about how speaking the local language made their journey so much more enjoyable. They felt more connected to the people and even uncovered hidden gems that they might have otherwise missed.”
Celebrating the European Day of Languages
With the upcoming European Day of Languages, which promotes linguistic diversity across Europe, Heathrow Express is offering a fun and educational way to inspire travellers. Whether it’s ordering local delicacies or visiting historical landmarks, knowing just a few phrases can make all the difference. In fact, the research shows that 50% of Brits prioritize visiting historical sites when they travel, while 30% aim to try local foods. The 15-minute masterclass will give travellers the tools to confidently ask locals for recommendations and better connect with the culture.
Daniel Edwards, Business Lead & Director at Heathrow Express, added: “We want our passengers to kickstart their holiday in the most enjoyable way possible.” What better way than learning 15 phrases of your destination’s language in the exact time it takes to travel from Paddington to Heathrow?”
How to Book Your Free Masterclass
The classes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so early booking is recommended to ensure a spot. https://www.heathrowexpress.com/en-us/#/
