The Chinese language is a major obstacle to younger expatriates living in Shanghai as it impedes their access to public services and makes it difficult for them to integrate into local society, according to a recent study by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS).

The study's purpose was to identify how Shanghai can improve itself as a place for young foreigners to live and work, especially so it can attract more skilled foreign professionals to the city, said Zeng Yanbo, a researcher at the Institute of Youth and Juvenile Studies who oversaw the study.

More than 143,200 foreign residents live in the city, according to the latest census figures.

The study polled 239 foreign residents between the ages of 14 and 45 who have been living in the city for more than half a year. The surveyed residents came from more than 20 countries and regions around the world.

About 36 percent of the respondents said language was the biggest problem they encountered in Shanghai, according to the study.

Although 94.5 percent of the respondents had a positive view of the city's public services, they had difficulties accessing the city's rules and regulations. The problem stems from government agencies that lack English-language Web pages or fail to update information online in a timely manner, the study said. Some respondents also reported feeling frustrated with improper language on signs at public facilities.

About 19 percent of the respondents said cultural differences were the most troubling thing about living in Shanghai, the study said. Nearly 13 percent said loneliness was their biggest issue.

The study concluded that insufficient language skills have hindered some younger expats from integrating into their local communities, leaving them feeling disconnected.

Zeng suggested more English newspapers and TV programs could help younger expats learn more about local culture, city regulations and public services. Still, she also hopes to see an increase in Chinese study programs around the city to help expats improve their language skills.

Besides the language problem, around 24 percent of the respondents said the cost of living in Shanghai was too high, especially housing prices and healthcare costs, the study said.