Lack of time and poor experiences of language learning are putting off many would be linguists in the UK, according to a new study.

While all respondents to a survey by Rosetta Stone had tried to learn a foreign language, 58% were unsuccessful and 40% complained of poor quality language teaching at schools.

After compulsory language education in school, evening classes ranked as the most popular method of learning. However, of the 40% of respondents that had enrolled, 52% failed to complete their courses, blaming time constraints. Others complained of overcrowded classrooms and too much homework.

Whilst significant numbers of those surveyed had used phrase books (25%) and/or language CDs/tapes (23%) as learning methods, only 2% had tried online learning.

The main motivations for wanting to learn a foreign language were for personal development (58%); in preparation for overseas travel (30%) and for career enhancement, which was cited by 24% of respondents. In addition, 12% were keen to be able to converse with relatives in their native tongue.

Spanish is the most desirable language to learn according to 45% of respondents, overtaking French (31%).

Most people wanted to be able to learn simple phrases - asking for directions or querying a bill or taxi fare were high on the wish list. However, the most desirable phrase listed by 57% of respondents was the ability to order a drink in their chosen language.

James Pitman, managing director at Rosetta Stone, said: “We Brits are a nation of language lovers, despite being perceived otherwise. Not only are we eager to learn a second or third language, we are becoming more adventurous in our choices. However, as a nation our language skills are deficient in comparison with our European neighbours. We were ranked a miserable bottom of a league table of 28 countries according to CILT; a factor which could damage our ability to compete in a global economy; compulsory teaching for 14-19 years olds has come to an end and language applicants for universities are in decline – which is extremely worrying.”