A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that many Brits are likely to invent a word in another language when attempting to communicate with locals whilst on holiday. However, there is one key phrase Brits have mastered – and it is how to order a drink abroad. If they are struggling to communicate, over half resort to wildly pointing at menus, while nearly a quarter rely on exaggerated hand gestures or speaking English very slowly in the hope of being understood.
Despite these efforts, communication barriers often cause complications, with a fifth spending far longer than necessary trying to sort out something simple. One in ten admitted to boarding the wrong bus or train due to a misunderstanding, or mistakenly ordering incorrect food or drink. But navigating foreign menus is a particular stress point for four in ten, who panic if an English version is not available.
The study was commissioned by Samsung to promote the launch of its Galaxy Z Flip7, featuring an AI-powered Live Translate and Interpreter feature designed to help users translate phone calls in real time and overcome language barriers when travelling.
The research revealed that the majority of Brits feel self-conscious about their lack of foreign language skills when abroad. To get around this, a third have resorted to smiling and nodding during conversations, pretending they understood, even when they haven’t.
What’s more, one in five have attempted to speak the local language, only for the person they are speaking to respond in fluent English. Once again, leaving them embarrassed.