British Council announces massive web poll plan

110 countries targeted in 20 different languages for largest survey ever...

The British Council is set to launch its largest-ever survey of attitudes and opinions from over 110 countries worldwide. Responses from governments, international organisations and citizens will be sought via the Council's website. Software from Norwegian company FIRM will be used to gather data in 20 languages including Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese and Russian. The Council used FIRM's Confirmit web software in earlier trials to solicit opinions about its website, gathering 2,500 responses within three weeks. The Council, which promotes partnerships between Britain and other countries through education and training, hopes the global survey will provide the information it needs to refine and focus its activities.