Learning languages

In Sweden when children are taught languages the focus is on reading and writing. To be able to speak does not seem to be as important. Swedes are often afraid to say anything unless they are confident that what they are about to say is grammatically correct. And how often is it more important to speak perfectly than to just make yourself understood? Most people will only use their language skills on holidays and no one will be upset if mistakes are made. Usually people are just very happy that you try to speak their language. As I was on an Air France flight it became obvious when the swedish man who sat next to me was translating an article in a French newspaper to his wife but when he ordered beer he did that in English. ?? Why are we so afraid of saying or pronouncing something wrong? We never learn unless we try.