Brits abroad refuse to speak a foreign language - unless it's to order a beer....

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Two in three Brits refuse to speak a single word of a foreign language when abroad, according to a new survey.

And one-fifth don't even know what the French for hello ('bonjour') means.

The survey, carried out by Hotels.com, found that young Brits were the worst at making the effort - despite the fact that it's compulsory for all pupils to study a foreign language until at least the age of 14. Only one in 10 considered themselves able to speak French, German or Spanish - even though all three languages being on the National Curriculum.

The over-55s, in contrast, say they liked to try to speak the local language when abroad, according to the poll of 2,000 adults.

However, almost half of the respondents know how to order a beer in Spanish....

Hotels.com said: "Brits have a negative image abroad - our study shames them."

There's only one thing for it: A holiday at home....

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