You may think I am a nosy anon - which in fact I am - but I'm extremely curios: as a British person you obviously speak fluent British English... But what about other languages? Do you speak any of them? And what relationship there is in anglophone countries in your opinion with the idea of the importance of studying foreign languages? (Don't mind me, I'm probably starting to turn my studies into an obsession).
That’s a rather unexpected question, but I’ll do my best to give you a decent answer :)
I think that there is a greater level of importance placed upon learning foreign languages in Anglophone countries than there has been in the past as we (meaning Britain and Australia) become more multicultural societies. However, I think that many native English-speakers struggle to learn foreign languages because there is less necessity to do so. Popular movies, books and video games are all in English or translated into English, and even when travelling oversees there are enough people who speak English for you to get by. Without the need to learn, most people aren’t going to. This isn’t necessarily because they are being lazy, just that people live busy lives and don’t always have the time to spare for such a hobby.
In addition, there is also the problem (in Australia, at least) of obtaining material in foreign languages. It’s expensive to purchase books and attend classes, particularly if it’s one of the less popular languages, so unless you already have family or friends who speak the language and have learning material the cost is going to add up very quickly.
I don’t speak any others languages. I’d like to, but I have enough issues speaking coherently in the language I was raised with let alone a new one! In the past when I’ve tried through school I’ve enjoyed it and been quick to learn, but the actual speaking element has already prevented me from further study. It’s unfortunate, but that’s life I suppose.
Thanks for asking Anon!