The majority of Britons regret not being able to speak a second language
14th November 2023
A recent YouGov poll indicates that a significant portion of the British population would favour mandatory modern language learning in both primary and secondary schools.
The survey was undertaken by the British Academy and examined British adults’ attitudes and opinions towards learning modern languages. It also marked the launch of a new online resource designed to widen access to language learning for everyone across the UK, called the Languages Gateway.
The Languages Gateway is meant to be the one-stop shop for anyone interested in language learning, including school, college and university students, leisure learners, teachers, parents and employers. Its main aim is to boost language learning by making it more accessible and increasing awareness.
Survey Results
According to the YouGov poll, only 21% of UK adults (one in five) can have a conversation in a modern language that is not their mother tongue.
There is no surprise since foreign language GCSEs are optional at most schools in England and have been for the past 20 years.
The good news is that 71% of adults in the UK support the idea of making the study of modern language compulsory in secondary school, while 64% agree it should be compulsory in primary school.
The poll also found that:
- 51% of respondents (one in two) who are unable to have a conversation in another language regret not learning one.
- 51% of respondents are (very or fairly) interested in learning another language now.
- 35% of respondents said they were not able to study their preferred language at school.
The main reasons for not learning a language include:
- time constraint (36%)
- not feeling the need to (20%)
- financial constraint (19%)
When asked which other language they like to learn, 40% of respondents said Spanish, 32% French, 20% said Italian and 18% said German.
Other Surveys
In other, similar surveys commissioned by YouGov we found that, while abroad in a country where English is not the native language, 59% of Britons try to speak at least the basics.
Furthermore, the majority of us believe that if someone moves to another country to live or work, they should have to learn the language of that country.
