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Learning English - Words in the News 01 September, 2008 - Published 11:16 GMT Young Britons shy away from learning languages | ||||||||||||
Two out of three teenagers in Britain are keen to work abroad but most of them don't speak foreign languages. Government figures show that 58% of 11-18 year olds in the UK have no foreign language skills, and this has a negative effect on the economy. Tom Burridge reports: Fact or fiction? Most British people are lazy when it comes to learning a foreign language. VOX POPS: Those views on the streets of London are backed up by figures out this week. The British Government found that 58 percent of 11-18 year olds in the UK do NOT speak a second language. However two thirds of teenagers in Britain want to work abroad when they're older - the countries of choice being Italy, Spain, France or China. The British Government admits there is a problem - that not enough young people continue learning a second language when they leave school. Teresa Tinley from the country's national centre of languages says it has big implications for the economy: TINLEY: The research is seen as further evidence that most young people assume they can get by in a foreign country by speaking English - something the authorities in London want to change. Tom Burridge, BBC fiction backed up out admits big implications potential customers geared towards further evidence assume get by |
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