New Research Shows That The Majority Of Those Investing In Spain Don't Speak The Local Language
Recent research commissioned by Rosetta Stone (language courses) in October 2007 and conducted by YouGov to gain an understanding of the UK’s foreign language proficiency and related travel habits, surveyed more than 2000 males and females across the country - and came up with some interesting findings.
Results from the survey found that many overseas investors in Spain could be encountering avoidable problems because they don’t speak the local language. The research found that the majority of Britons (almost two thirds - 62 per cent) only spoke the English language and of those that did speak another language, this was mostly French (over 70%) – and this is despite Spain being one of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers and overseas property investors.
In their research, the Rosetta Stone organisation found that nine out of ten people (87%) were unable to ask for the most simplistic things in Spanish, such as general directions and four out of five (82%) were unable to understand basic instructions such as left and right - so if they happened to find themselves lost, this could present some problems.
But whilst only 13% could ask for directions in Spanish, more than double the number (29%) could ask for a drink at the bar!
Rosetta Stone Managing Director, Steven Wines, commenting on the results of the survey stated: "It is important to learn the basic language skills" as a lack of linguistic awareness could prove to be a problem for people who are considering relocating to Spain on a permanent basis, especially in the rural areas where little English is spoken – so it’s important to learn the basics at the very least.
Rosetta Stone language courses use an award-winning method used by the U.S. State Department to train diplomats and that is also a proven effective method used by NASA astronauts, Peace Corps volunteers, and millions of students worldwide. The methods used are professed to teach a new language faster and easier than ever before.
The Rosetta Stone method replicates the way we learnt language as a child - by associating new words and phrases with the world around us. So the programme presents vivid, real-life images to convey the meaning of each new phrase that is presented – and there’s no tedious translation, memorisation and dull grammar drills as with many other language courses, with the Rosetta Stone method, you actually learn to think in the new language and vocabulary and grammar are naturally integrated into the programme.
Each lesson is split into 4 different task areas: listening comprehension, reading, writing, and speaking. This presents an exciting, innovative, effective method that makes learning fun and is perfect if you want to learn Spanish in a fast and easy way easy – and for the whole family, too, as the programmes are suitable for children from the age of 6 upwards.
The company has just launched Version 3, (which incorporates Level1 and 2) of its Spanish Language course.
Rest Assured Properties have much experience and knowledge of what it is like to live in a rural area and the proplems this could present if you don't understand at least some of the Spanish language. Having used many language learning courses themselves, they recommend Rosetta Stone as a preferred learning tool.
Rest Assured Properties are leaders in the sale of off-plan properties in the Murcia region of Spain. You can visit our website to find out more about Rosetta Stone Spanish language courses - and other courses, too. Or e-mail info@restassuredproperties.co.uk
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Elaine Ablett
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