Posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2023

Taking a trip overseas can trigger various anxieties: How will I get around? Will the food agree with me? Will I meet exciting new people?

But one of the more common worries relates to language: Will I be able to communicate with the locals?

British people tend to get more stressed about language, because we infamously aren't too good at learning new ones.

A European Union survey revealed 62% of Britons couldn't speak another language - officially making us the worst at language learning in the EU. On the plus side, 38% of us do speak at least one foreign language, 18% two and 6% three or more.

But if you fall into the 62% bracket, fear not. Aside from picking up another tongue, you could just visit one of these eight countries, where, it may surprise you to learn, English is spoken widely.

South Africa

A rich tapestry of different cultures, South Africa is home to 11 languages. However, English - while only spoken by nine per cent of people as a native language - is widely spoken. So whether you're on safari in Kruger National Park or sipping wine in one of the many vineyards, rest assured you'll be able to communicate with your hosts.

What's more, English is the main language of government, industry and the media.

Singapore

Around 80 per cent of Singaporeans speak English, despite the fact that most grew up speaking Mandarin, Malay or Tamil as well.

English also predominates in classrooms.

As a former British colony, English has long been the main language of business and government.

Locals sprinkle English into their own languages, creating the creole known as 'Singlish'.

Belize

Despite being adjacent to Spanish-speaking Guatemala, English is widely spoken in Belize.

Part of the British Commonwealth, this South American country is more akin to Jamaica and other Caribbean islands than other nations on the continent.

So, whether you're spotting jaguars, snorkelling or gazing at Mayan ruins, you can rest assured you'll be able to communicate.

Iceland

From whale watching to hiking glaciers, immersing yourself in thermal pools to witnessing the Northern Lights, Iceland offers a host of unforgettable travel experiences.

But what about the language?

Icelanders learn English from a young age, so you'll be easily understood if you visit.

Malta

Another former British colony, Malta has long used English as one of its main languages, alongside its own Maltese - a hybrid of Sicilian and Arabic rooted in the 11th century.

About 90 per cent of the population of Malta can speak English, so whether you're exploring the sunny island's ancient temples or simply buying an ice cream near one of the many idyllic beaches, communication will be easy.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is home to a treasure trove of museums featuring art by Van Gogh, Rembrant and Vermeer, as well as charming architecture and a laid-back approach to life.

But how will you communicate with the locals?

Luckily, the Dutch pride themselves on speaking English to a very high level, with more than 90% able to speak it conversationally.

Philippines

Thousands of Britons visit the Philippines annually, drawn by amazing dive spots, castor sugar beaches and world-class partying in places like Borocay and Palawan.

Part of the nation's popularity among UK, US and Australian travellers is the fact that 80 per cent of locals speak English, having been taught it at school and through the movies.

Tagalog is the other principle language, although about 175 others are spoken across the 7,000+ islands.

India

Comprising 29 diverse states, India is home to scores of cultures and, unsurprisingly, languages.

However, the lingua franca is English, partly due to India having been a British colony. So whether you're exploring the ancient erotic temples of Khajuraho or sunning yourself on a Goan beach, you can rest assured you will be easily understood.

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