Some commentators argue that a shift is currently occurring in the way we talk. English, the dominant language for centuries - by virtue of Britain's colonial reach - is slipping from its top-of-the-chart position. True, it is still the most widely-spoken tongue (as in, number of countries that hold it as a national language), but Chinese has been the most spoken for a while now (when you take into account the number of people actually speaking it), and Spanish is second. English is third by ... Read More »
Whatever your reason for learning a new language may be, it is obvious that enhanced opportunities may arise both in your business, travel and personal life. Perhaps you are thinking of retiring to another country or you would like to make foreign online acquaintances. The beauty of speaking a second language is about communication, interaction and being human!
Although the ... Read More »
Mandarin is the national language of China and Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world. By learning Mandarin you will be able to speak with more people than any other language- including English.
Mandarin is comparatively spoken by fewer non-Chinese than most European languages spoken by non-natives of their respective countries. That means there is a greater demand ... Read More »
It's long been established that 'immersing' yourself in a language is one of the best ways to learn. However, not everybody can jet off and live in their chosen country for a few months. There are various language-learning packages available which claim to simulate this immersion - the most notable of which is Rosetta Stone - but there is another way to experience it: by watching films in the language.
This was my experience. I'd learnt French to AS level at school, but hadn't used it... Read More »
For years French has been the most popular foreign language taught in schools. French tutors have also proved exceptionally popular, and not just amongst the school-age population. Older people looking to work or retire abroad are also keen to employ a tutor.
France is our nearest truly foreign neighbour and in times past the two countries' languages were hea... Read More »
A World Language
French is a world language. With more than 200 million people speaking fluently on the five continents.
Job Prospects
Speaking both English and French provides a huge advantage on the international job market.
Culture
French is international language for cooking, fashion, theatre, dance, architecture and the visual arts.
International Relations
French is... Read More »
Today's economy is increasingly globalised, and this means that many of us are interacting across cultures in a way we never did before. Learning a new language takes time and dedication. Once you do, being fluent in a second language offers numerous benefits and opportunities. Learning a second language is exciting and beneficial at all ages. It offers practical, intellectual and many aspirational benefits.
In today's world, the... Read More »
Did you know that there are around 500 million Spanish speakers around the world? Spanish is one of the most important languages today and in fact there are nearly as many speakers of Spanish as a first language in the United States are there are speakers of English as a first language.
This means that Spanish has an important role to play in most of our lives. We may do business with speakers of the l... Read More »
From September 2014 languages will become a compulsory subject within the national curriculum for primary age school children in Britain.
Schools will have a certain amount of freedom to chose the language they intend to teach. At present there are 7 on the list to chose from. These include both modern and classical languages - French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Latin and Ancient Greek.
It remains to be seen whether schools and teachers are sufficiently geared up to t... Read More »
When the SAT results were announced recently they showed that levels of attainment in English were lagging well behind those in Science and Maths. What could be the reason behind this?
English is an almost intuitive subject, something those of us born in the ... Read More »