Local language key to top travel
According to AAP many travellers think knowing the local language of their destinations gives their holiday a boost, but this doesn’t motivate them to learn one.
More than three quarters of Australian holiday makers say being equipped with the local tongue is key, but only 64 per cent have bothered to learn, a recent survey has revealed.
Of the 8,615 people involved in the online poll conducted by expedia.com.au, 87 per cent said that learning a second language in school should be made compulsory.
Of the European languages, those polled said they were most enthusiastic to learn French (37 per cent), Italy attracted 29 per cent, and Spanish almost a quarter.
Chief of Expedia Asia Pacific Arthur Hoffman said breaking the language barrier allowed people to have a deeper cultural experience.
“People look forward to experiencing the best of local foods, music, theatre and destinations when abroad,” Hoffman says.
“Being able to speak the local language means these experiences are much easier to enjoy.”
Hoffman says Australians are on the right track by picking French as their most desirable language.
“French is actually an ideal second language for Australians travelling abroad,” he said.
“Apart from French being useful in Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, Vietnam and Africa, there are also a number of French-speaking destinations closer to home, such as the South Pacific islands of Tahiti and New Caledonia.”
“These islands, which are within a few hours travel time from Australia, make for exotic mini-break destinations or a family holiday.”
Australians also confirmed what we already knew – French is the most romantic language, with 61 per cent vouching for the notion.
Italian picked up a distant second place with 28 per cent.
Meanwhile, Australians said they thought that German would be the trickiest to learn.
Hoffman also says that having a second language could boost career opportunities and said it is associated with being well educated.
“Given that interest in international travel is greater than ever, and the sense of living in a global village grows stronger, the number of bilingual Australians is sure to increase,” he says.
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