Press Release

Language and International Baccalaureate college students took to the streets in Exeter to mark European Day of Languages last week, finding out what shoppers and visitors really think about foreign languages.

Over 70 students – most of whom are starting their first year of a modern language course at the college – set out to check the general public’s view and ended up dispelling many of the myths about British people’s ideas about language skills.

“I really enjoyed the survey” said Sam Pillow 16 from St Peters, “I was able to talk to people from different generations and found out that you can’t judge anyone on first impressions. One of the shoppers I spoke to is fluent in 4 different languages.”

Tom Clatworthy 16, from St Lukes, also said that his group were surprised at some of the comments. “A lot more people spoke different languages than I thought and many we spoke to were very keen to speak the local language on holiday.”

The survey of nearly 470 people showed that over half (55%) could speak another language. 75% try to speak the local language when spending time abroad and 75% of those asked said they think a language should be compulsory at GCSE level.

Holly Hollister 16, from Ottery St Mary said: “Many of the people in our survey really enjoyed using a new language so it’s wrong to assume that the British don’t try out languages. Many people we spoke to had learnt a new language for use in business.”

And the survey showed that French has been knocked off the top spot as most popular language with Spanish beating it in popularity, followed by Russian and then Italian.

Martina Esser, who heads up the Modern Foreign Languages and Classics team at Exeter College and co-ordinated the day, added: “Our students were very positive about the survey and felt that it helped to raise the profile of European languages in the college as well as in the city of Exeter. Whilst our language students were busy talking to shoppers and visitors during the morning, our cafes across the college sites were selling pain au chocolat and coffee to staff and students to mark the day. The feedback from all involved was that they enjoyed carrying out the survey and that they talked to many interesting people.
“Several students who spoke non-European languages were also given a voice – languages are alive and well in Exeter and the staff and students are looking forward to celebrating the day again next year.”

For further information, call Sylvia Jarman on 01392 205585 or sylviajarman@exe-coll.ac.uk