If you are struggling to learn English, give yourself a pat on the back! Why? Because according to a study by Office Angels recently reported on by the BBC the UK population is resolutely at the bottom of the pile when it comes to speaking a second language.
For example, in Italy 18% speak French - the top language taught in UK schools - compared with 11% in this country.
Likewise, 48% of Denmark's population speak German, compared with 6% in the UK.
Experts blame a misplaced belief that "everyone else" speaks English, while, as an island-nation, in the past we have not been exposed to other languages like countries with land borders (apart from Wales that is).