More Britons learning languages

Language software provider Rosetta Stone (UK) Limited has reported a 34% increase in UK sales of its language software to consumers in the first quarter of 2007, compared to the same period last year.

Michael Lefante, Marketing Manager for Rosetta Stone comments: ìOur increase in sales is significant and perhaps reflects the fact that more Britons are realising the many personal, professional and social benefits of learning a second language. Additionally, people are choosing e-learning over other language learning methods because of the flexibility it affords.î

Of the 30 languages offered by Rosetta Stone, the biggest growth by far was in sales of the Turkish software, which saw an increase of 128%. This was followed by Spanish (68%) then Thai and Polish, both with an increase of 56%. Additionally, Spanish overtook French as the most popular language.

These findings are not surprising as there is an upward trend in travel to both Turkey and Spain, with many Britons choosing to buy second homes in these countries and therefore needing to learn the local languages.

The increase in Polish language learning is a positive sign, a reflection of the developing relationships, both business and personal, between Britons and their Polish counterparts. In some areas in Britain, such as Banbury in Oxfordshire, Polish speakers now make up 19% of the population. Furthermore, the North Wales police force has started actively targeting Polish speakers in their current recruitment drive. The need to learn Polish has also been fuelled by an increase in trade between the two countries, which is reaching record levels and increasing rapidly. There are now over 300 flights a week between the UK and Poland.