Language barrier 'creates problems'
Monday October 15th , 2007
Many overseas investors in Spain could be encountering avoidable problems because they do not speak the local language.
Research by Rosetta Stone found that the majority of Britons do not speak a language other than English, while most of those that do speak French.
This is despite Spain being one of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers and overseas property investors.
The organisation stated that nine out of ten people were unable to ask for general directions in Spanish, while a similar proportion were unable to comprehend basic instructions such as left and right.
Commenting on the findings, Rosetta Stone managing director Steven Wines said: "It is important to learn the basic language skills."
A lack of linguistic awareness could prove to be a problem for people who are considering relocating to Spain on a permanent basis.
Foreign Currency Direct recently carried out research which found that only one in ten future expats were learning to speak a new language before moving.
