Fewer and fewer Brits are acquiring foreign languages. At the beginning of September 2007, only 5 out of 10 school pupils were learning another tongue, down from 8 out of 10 a decade previously. Since 2004 a foreign language has no longer been obligatory in secondary schools. High profile expats don’t give a good example: after four years living in France Jarvis Cocker has learned almost no French. His excuse? “I like joking and the French have no sense of humour.” 

From Riviera Reporter Issue 126: April/May 2008