New research shows that the majority of those who invest in Spain do not speak the local language
Recent research commissioned by Rosetta Stone (language courses) in October 2007 and carried out by YouGov to understand the UK’s foreign language proficiency and related travel habits, surveyed over 2,000 men and women across the country and got some interesting findings. .
The survey results revealed that many foreign investors in Spain could run into avoidable problems because they do not speak the local language. The research found that the majority of Britons (nearly two-thirds – 62 per cent) spoke only the English language and of those who spoke another language, these were mostly French (over 70 per cent), and this despite that Spain is one of the most popular destinations for British tourists and property investors abroad.
In its research, the Rosetta Stone organization found that nine out of ten people (87%) were unable to ask for the simplest things in Spanish, such as general directions, and four out of five (82%) were unable to understand basic directions. as left and right, so if they are lost, this could present some problems.
But while only 13% could ask for directions in Spanish, more than twice as many (29%) could order a drink at the bar!
Rosetta Stone Managing Director Steven Wines, commenting on the survey results stated: “It is important to learn basic language skills” as a lack of language knowledge could be a problem for people considering moving to Spain. on a permanent basis, especially in rural areas where little English is spoken, so it is important to learn the basics at a minimum.
Rosetta Stone language courses use an award-winning method used by the US Department of State to train diplomats and is also a proven effective method used by NASA astronauts, Peace Corps volunteers, and millions of students around the world. The methods used are professed to teach a new language faster and easier than ever before.
The Rosetta Stone method replicates the way we learn language as children, associating new words and phrases with the world around us. Therefore, the program presents vivid real-life images to convey the meaning of each new phrase that is presented, and there is no tedious translation, memorization and boring grammar exercises as with many other language courses, with the Rosetta Stone method. , you really learn to think in the new language and the vocabulary and grammar are naturally integrated into the program.
Each lesson is divided into 4 different task areas: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. This presents an exciting, innovative and effective method that makes learning fun and is perfect if you want to learn Spanish in an easy and fast way, and also for the whole family, as the programs are suitable for children from the age of 6. years. upwards.
The company has just launched Version 3, (which incorporates Levels 1 and 2) of its Spanish Language course.
Rest Assured Properties has a lot of experience and knowledge of what it is like to live in a rural area and the problems that this could present if you do not understand at least some of the Spanish language. Having used many language learning courses, they recommend Rosetta Stone as their preferred learning tool.