Languages European students are required to study

[GoodHombre]

Originally Posted by easthome

I made a real concerted effort to learn how to speak Spanish, I took classes level 1 and level 2, when I went to Spain to 'try out' my new skills I found that most would answer me in English. I think the level of language proficiency in the UK is shameful! I admire some of my colleagues (I work with many foreign nationals) who can speak (sometimes) multiple languages. I worked (he left recently) with a Polish guy that could speak Polish (obviously), English, German, Russian, French AND Chinese (Cantonese?). Absolutely incredible.

No, it's not shameful. The UK is just being lucky with no need to learn any foreign language.

It's very nice of you to acknowledge your privilege and be grateful.

In fact, there are billions of people around the world eager to learn English. They don't expect English speakers to learn their language, they want to talk to English speakers to practice their English.

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

I wonder how much of Europe was multilingual before World War Two?

[adrianf91]

Spanish should be taught nowadays instead of French

[papuolo]

Originally Posted by Mouldy Old Schmo

I wonder how much of Europe was multilingual before World War Two?

Good question!!! Depended on geographical location and chauvinism. Nations that had large empire were always more chauvinistic.

[Eden Morlevent]

Originally Posted by adrianf91

Spanish should be taught nowadays instead of French

who cares, English will kill all the languages in the world soon enough, better be prepared .. beware little green men, you too must learn English. : sarcasm :

[papuolo]

Originally Posted by Mouldy Old Schmo

For those on the Continent who learn English - is it the British or American version?

Usually American among nationals that transcend their national accents, such as Swedes. At least the Swedes I have met. They might have learned English with British books or in England, but most of the media is in American English.