Tag Search for `English`

Commonly Studied Languages

January 19th, 2015 by Sarah Adams

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 »

Top 5 Languages You Should Learn in 2014

August 1st, 2013 by Dexter Findley

Congratulations! If you're reading (and understanding) this then you know English, the one language in the world that will get you somewhere everywhere. An official language of a prodigious percentage of countries, it may not be a local tongue but its basics are known almost universally. But say you want to learn another language, one that will be useful, rather than one that just gets you bonus points while on holiday? Which one should you aim for? Here are the Top Five.

What will be the New World Language?

June 18th, 2013 by Dexter Findley

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 »

Bilinguals: 2 languages = 2 personalities?

May 2nd, 2012 by Sara

Learning a second language both builds on the first language and consolidates it but there is a Czech proverb that says "Learn a new language and get a new soul"

Bilinguals have often reported they feel and act differently when they speak in another language. Realistically, bilinguals don't have a second personality but adopt a shift in attitudes and behaviours, depending on the context and/or situation in which they are using the language.

Think of the follow... Read More »

Natural disadvantage?

September 11th, 2009 by Emily

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 »

Language tuition could add £21bn to the UK economy

September 10th, 2009 by Emily

The National Centre for Languages (Cilt) has spoken out to urge the government to put language tuition at the top of the agenda.

According to Cilt, French, ... Read More »

Should we be ditching French for Mandarin?

August 5th, 2009 by Emily

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 »

One world, one language?

July 29th, 2009 by Emily

I used to fear French at school. I could never get to grips with it. English GCSE, Maths A-level, - no problem. But for some unknown reason I always struggled with languages, and French ... Read More »