Thus, it is important either to have at least some knowledge of the language or to ensure that
appropriate interpreting facilities are available. Although the UK does not constitute a great land area,
accents and dialects vary considerably from region to region, which may present even native English
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speakers with difficulties in verbal communication. Therefore, although it is advisable to become familiar
with at least some common phrases, it is completely acceptable to ask for an explanation of anything that
you do not understand, or indeed to ask your host to speak more slowly.