Latest News

A selection of language-related news. Does not claim to be comprehensive or represent the views of SCILT.


Language Learning - Adults

Yakety Yak Language Cafés

26 August 2019 (Yakety Yak)

Improve your foreign language conversation in a local café, in a small group with an experienced tutor. 

We meet

  • in the relaxed atmosphere of local cafes and bistros in Edinburgh and Glasgow
  • in small groups of similar level of fluency
  • with a tutor who is a native speaker for each group 
  • each session normally has a minimum of 2 tutors to cater for most abilities
  • No need to book - just drop in. However, if it is your first time with us, we recommend you phone or email us to discuss your level and the best session for you first

Conversation classes commence from 2 September 2019. Visit the website for details of sessions running in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

Read more...

Debunking the fluency myth: how Lingo Flamingo helps relocate the joy in language learning

20 August 2019 (Lingo Flamingo)

As the Volunteer Coordinator at Lingo Flamingo, I am lucky enough to witness first hand the joys of language learning. A social enterprise with the primary mission of delivering accessible and multi-sensory language lessons to older adults, Lingo Flamingo teaches Spanish, French, Italian and German in care homes and day centres across Scotland, and believes, contrary to popular wisdom, that it’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.

This sentiment epitomises Lingo Flamingo’s forward thinking ethos. It understands that older adults living in care homes are individuals who are able to learn new skills, and it views language learning as a powerful tool for education and enjoyment.

These ideas are genuinely radical, and are especially important in light of the abundance of myths which surround language learning, and which act as barriers to language learning for so many people.

Read more...

Languages for All

20 August 2019 (University of Edinburgh)

The Centre for Open Learning at the University of Edinburgh offers short courses in Arabic, BSL, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Russian, Spanish and 13 other languages.

Courses are two hours a week over ten weeks. Enrolment for Autumn courses (30 September – 6 December) is now open online.

Read more...

New session French courses in Glasgow

25 October 2018 (Alliance Française)

The Alliance Française in Glasgow is now enrolling for Term B courses running from 12 November 2018 to 26 January 2019. This includes a new class for complete beginners on Monday evenings.

Visit the website for more information and to enrol.

Read more...

Yakety Yak Language Cafés

30 August 2018 (Yakety Yak)

Looking to brush up your conversational language skills? Yakety Yak host a variety of language cafés in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Next sessions begin 3 September 2018. Visit their website for details.

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Alliance Française Glasgow newsletter

25 May 2018 (Alliance Française Glasgow )

The latest newsletter from Alliance Française Glasgow includes information on summer classes and a special children's workshop in late June/early July.

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Summer French classes in Glasgow

9 May 2018 (Alliance Française)

The Alliance Française in Glasgow are holding summer classes for both children and adults. Follow the relevant link below to find out more information:

Visit the Alliance Française main website for more information about the activities and opportunities they offer.

Read more...

Be part of the first language course designed to fight dementia!

30 April 2018 (Lingo Flamingo)

Research shows that speakers of foreign languages can postpone the effects of dementia by up to 4.5 years later than monolinguists. Language learning acts as a great way of keeping your brain fit and active as well as building up cognitive reserve, making the brain more resilient. 

Lingo Flamingo utilises this research by providing tailored, fun and accessible classes in care homes and day centres across Scotland. We are a not-for-profit organisation whose objective is to use language learning as a way to empower older adults and to battle against dementia and brain ageing. 

We are looking for compassionate and enthusiastic language volunteers who can teach their language in care homes across Scotland. As a language tutor you will go into care homes and teach older adults in classes of 10 students. 

Classes take place 1 hour a week for 10 weeks. We will cover your expenses.

Classes take place Monday to Friday, usually in the early afternoon. You need to commit for at least 10 weeks, for 1 hour a week (same day and same time every week).

In conjunction with the Open University we offer tailored training and support about teaching older adults. Even though it is a language class, it is mainly about having fun! It is a great opportunity to increase your confidence as well as the confidence of the students. 

After you let us know that you are interested, you would need to fill out a registration form and meet us for an informal chat. Once you agree to volunteer, we would enter you onto the database and match you with a care home that is close to you. 

For more information, please contact papoula.romao@lingoflamingo.co.uk or visit our website for more information.

Read more...

CLPL opportunities from Alliance Française

27 October 2017 (Alliance Française)

Read the latest newsletter from Alliance Française and find out more about current CLPL opportunities. These include the new term of language classes, new programme of training for primary teachers and information on DELF international diplomas.

Goethe-Institut events

27 October 2017 (Goethe-Institut)

Read the latest update from Goethe-Institut Glasgow for events to help keep your language learning fresh. Events include a German board games night, book club, film screening and 'Translators' Stammtisch'.

Related Files

Alcohol can help foreign language skills, study finds

19 October 2017 (The Independent)

Isn’t it amazing how despite not having studied German since you got a B in your GCSE many moons ago, when you’ve had a few drinks and you bump into a few Germans on a night out, you're suddenly fluent?

Erstaunlich, oder?

Well according to a new study, this isn’t just all in your head - bilingual people actually are better at speaking foreign languages after a drink or two.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool, Maastricht University and King’s College London studied 50 native German speakers who were studying at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands and had recently learned to read, write and speak the local language, Dutch.

Participants were then given either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink and asked to have a conversation in Dutch for a few minutes.

How much alcohol they were given depended on body weight, but it was equivalent to just under a pint (460ml) of five per cent beer, for a 70kg male.

Their conversations were recorded and their foreign language skills rated by native Dutch speakers, who didn’t know which participants had consumed alcohol.

The researchers found that those who were slightly intoxicated had better pronunciation than their sober colleagues.

Read more...

Beginners 1 Course for Primary School Teachers Oct-Dec 2017

19 September 2017 (Alliance Française Glasgow )

The Alliance Française Glasgow is running a new 10-week Beginners 1 French course for Primary School teachers between October and December 2017: 

  • This course is suitable for complete beginners 
  • 20 hours of lessons over 10 weeks tailored to the needs of Primary School teachers: classroom and speaking activities, pronunciation, communication, increase your confidence and feel more comfortable speaking French. 
  • Dates: The course will take take place on Thursday 3.45-5.45pm between 5th October and 14th December 2017.

Read more...

Chinese language classes

12 September 2017 (Confucius Institute Edinburgh)

The Confucius Institute for Scotland's programme of Chinese classes for the autumn term will start 25 September 2017.

Classes on offer range from beginner to advanced levels. This autumn, in addition to our usual evening classes, we will also offer a short daytime course running 2.5 hrs per week for five weeks - Chinese for Travellers. Ideal if planning a visit to China or just as a taster course.  

Visit the website for course details and registration, or to find out about other events and opportunities offered by the Confucius Institute for Scotland.

Read more...

French classes in Edinburgh

15 August 2017 (Institut français)

The Institut français d'Ecosse is enrolling for their autumn classes commencing September 2017.

Classes and workshops are offered for all ages (toddlers to adults), from complete beginners to fluent speakers.

Visit the website for more information and to enrol.

Read more...

French drama workshops

15 August 2017 (Theatre sans Accents)

Whether you want to perfect your French or your English, Theatre Sans Accents has the right workshop to suit your needs and your level!

No need to be fluent or an experienced actor, everyone is welcomed in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere!

Bookings are now being taken for Autumn term classes, with early bird discounts available.

Follow the appropriate link below to find out more about classes for adults and children:

For children:

For adults:

You can find out more about Theatre sans Accents and their other activities on the website.

Read more...

Autumn term French classes

14 August 2017 (Alliance Française)

French classes for adults and children will start at the Alliance Française in Glasgow on 11 September 2017.

Visit the website for full details and to find out about Open Days where you can visit, meet staff and have your language level assessed to establish the best course for you.

Read more...

German workshops in Glasgow

11 August 2017 (Goethe-Institut)

The Goethe-Institut in Glasgow is offering workshops in August and September focusing on speaking and practising communication in authentic everyday situations. There are sessions available for Levels A1.2-A2.2 and B1/B2.

Visit the website for more information and to book.

Read more...

Glasgow's elderly combat dementia symptoms with fun foreign language classes

4 August 2017 (Glasgow Live)

A Glasgow based organisation is blazing a trail in the battle against dementia faced by Glasgow’s elderly population.

Lingo Flamingo, based in Govan, is the world’s first non-profit organisation that provides outreach foreign language classes tailored to older adults.

It is currently launching a drive for more students, enlisting the use of their pink flamingo mascot to help spread the word to places across Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

Their 10 week foreign language workshops are provided in German, Italian, Spanish and French and take place in care homes, sheltered accommodation and day centres across the city.

Read more...

German certificate exams - June 2017

1 June 2017 (Goethe-Institut)

Adult certificate exams at the Goethe-Institut Glasgow are taking place in June.

Please register by 6 June 2017.

Visit the website for details of available levels and dates and to apply.

Read more...

French summer classes 2017

30 May 2017 (Institut français)

During August the Institut français in Edinburgh is running adults classes for all levels and aims. Whether you are looking to brush up your French over the summer or for some intensive classes, there's something for you.

This year a new intensive course is being launched which might be of particular interest for teachers. This 15 hour course will take place over three days from 8 to 10 August. GTCS registered teachers benefit from a concession fee.

All enrolments before July 11 can benefit from an 'early bird' rate.

See the summer programme for details.

Further information about the Institut français and their full range of activities can be found on their website.

Read more...

German Certificate Exams

24 May 2017 (Goethe-Institut)

Goethe-Institut examinations are well known throughout the world and the associated certificates are accepted as a qualification by employers and further education institutions in many countries. Dates for the next season of exams have been published on the Goethe-Institut website.

Read more...

Intensive and semi-intensive summer classes in French

23 May 2017 (Alliance Française de Glasgow)

The Alliance Française de Glasgow will be running Summer Classes suitable for all levels between June and September 2017.

Semi-Intensive Courses: enrol in a 4-week French programme suitable for complete beginners, or reinforce your language skills with revisions.

Intensive Courses: brush-up on your French with revisions over the course of 3 days.

Read more...

Brits are terrible tourists who don’t learn languages, don’t talk to strangers, and don’t respect other cultures

13 May 2017 (Metro)

Brits haven’t got the best reputation as tourists. We’re loud, we drink, we’re awful at languages, and we have a history of starting fights at football matches. But now we have some proof, as a recent survey found that almost half of British tourists choose not to respect a country’s culture when they visit.

Read more...

Yakety Yak Language Cafés in Glasgow

31 January 2017 (Yakety Yak)

Yakety Yak has some new venues for French and Italian language cafés in Glasgow.

Visit their website for more information.

Read more...

Support for adult language learning on the SCILT website

28 November 2016 (SCILT)

Language learning is for all ages. Visit our Adult Learners pages to find out the range of language learning opportunities in your area and online. You can also read about the benefits of learning a new language at any age, some tips to motivate you and testimonials from other adult language learners to encourage and inspire you!

Read more...

German online group course for adult learners

9 September 2016 (Goethe-Institut)

The Goethe-Institut’s German online group course allows you to align your German studies with your time schedule, no matter where you are. However, you will not be learning alone but in a small group.

The next course commences on 19 September 2016 and is available at various learner levels.

Visit the Goethe-Institut website for more details and to enrol.

Read more...

SRF Russian classes for adults 2016-17

26 August 2016 (SRF)

Scotland-Russia Forum's new session classes commence on 19 September 2016. Enjoy learning Russian in small groups with a professional Russian language tutor.

Visit the SRF website for details of all the available courses and to enrol.

Read more...

EPALE focus: European Day of Languages

11 August 2016 (European Commission)

On the 26 September EPALE (Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe) is celebrating European Day of Languages. We love languages at EPALE – learning new languages can help share information and experiences across borders, broaden our cultural horizons and improve cognitive function.

In honour of European Day of Languages, we’ll be hosting a day-long discussion which will be moderated by language teacher and polyglot Alex Rawlings (link is external) and EPALE’s thematic coordinator for Quality, Andrew McCoshan. We’re looking for people who are passionate about language learning to take part in the panel discussion – if this sounds like you, get in touch.

We’re also on the lookout for articles, opinion blogs, resources and case studies about language learning.

Visit the website for information on how to contribute and take part.

Read more...

Certificate of Continuing Education in Spanish

10 June 2016 (University of Strathclyde)

The School of Humanities at the University of Strathclyde is delighted to invite applications for the Certificate of Continuing Education in Spanish in the academic session 2016-2017.

These evening degree programmes will comprise undergraduate level modules in the language at first, second and third-year levels.

The two first-year modules, Introduction 1A and Introduction 1B, are intensive beginners’ classes. They are suitable for people with some or no knowledge of the language but with previous experience of language learning, and would equally suit those with qualifications in the language from some years ago who wish to refresh their knowledge.

The CCEd provides a General Teaching Council approved qualification and has in previous years appealed to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including secondary school teachers wishing to acquire an additional language, primary school teachers, teachers of classics, musicians and a range of professional people with an interest in the Spanish-speaking world and their languages.

See the attached flyer for more information about the programme or visit the website.

Read more...

Related Files

Essential German: Intensive Course for Complete Beginners

23 May 2016 (Goethe-Institut)

Are you planning a visit to a German-speaking country, would you like to be able to speak with German-speaking friends in their native tongue or would you like to learn a bit of German just for fun? If you are a complete beginner, this course is for you! Enrolment: by 13 June. 

For enrolment please contact Goethe-Institut's Language Department.

New term French courses in Glasgow

24 March 2016 (Alliance Française)

We are now enrolling students for Term D which will take place between Tuesday 19 April and Saturday 13 June. There will be a new Beginners 1 class taking place every Tuesday between 6-9pm.

In addition to our general French classes ranging from Beginner to Advanced levels, we will be running three new add-on classes for Term D to help you improve your French - Conversation, Grammar or Phonetics classes.

To find out more, follow the relevant link below:

For further information about the Alliance Française and what they can offer, visit their website.

Read more...

Discovering Wales and Welsh with the Open University

5 February 2016 (The Open University)

LG001 is a new short online Non-Accredited-Learning (NAL) course produced by the Open University Department of Languages and designed for anyone interested in learning about Wales and acquiring basic language skills in Welsh.

The course content is organised around five themes, allowing learners to explore key aspects of Welsh culture from a different angle. The language content is aimed at complete beginners and takes learners through the basic functional skills such as asking for directions and ordering food.

Though there is no assessment or tutorials, quizzes are available to test knowledge and language skills and Learning Advisers will support learners in the course forum.

Details on the course content and how to register. Please note there is a fee for this course.

It is also possible to try the first 4 hours of the course for free on the OpenLearn site

Learn a language in 2016, Britons are urged

30 December 2015 (BBC)

As the New Year beckons, the British Council is calling on people in the UK to make learning a foreign language their resolution for 2016. The campaign is being backed by actor and broadcaster Larry Lamb.

Read more...

New term French classes in Glasgow

30 October 2015 (Alliance Française)

The next session of adult classes (Term B) at the Alliance Française in Glasgow will run between Monday 16 November 2015 and Saturday 30 January 2016.

A new class is being opened for complete beginners (Beginners 1), which will take place on Tuesday between 6-9pm.

For full details and enrolment information visit the Alliance Française website.

Read more...

Latest bulletin from Scotland Russia Forum published

29 August 2015 (SRF)

The latest bulletin from the Scotland Russia Forum has information on their new term of language classes in Russian and Ukrainian, as well as details of their Languages Open Day.

Related Files

Semi-intensive and intensive summer classes

21 May 2015 (Alliance Française)

Alliance Française will be running summer classes suitable for all levels between June and September. Enrol before Saturday 30th May to benefit from our early bird discount. Semi-Intensive Courses (2 x 3hrs / 4 weeks) Enrol in a 4-week French programme for complete beginners, or reinforce your language skills with revisions. Intensive Courses (3 x 5hrs / 3 days) Brush-up on your French with revisions. If you wish to enrol, please contact the Language Office on 0141 331 4080.

Read more...

Lost for words to dreaming in French - one week of language immersion in Lyon

20 May 2015 (Guardian)

Despite many attempts, I had never quite got to grips with French. But by the end of a week-long immersion I learned more than in 15 years of false starts.

Read more...

10 tried-and-tested ways to become bilingual or even a polyglot

17 May 2015 (Economic Times)

Knowing another language is a valuable skill — one that could boost your salary and your brain. While there are many paths to picking up a foreign language, here are 10 of the most tried-and-tested ways to become bilingual — or even a polyglot.

Read more...

New French classes in Glasgow during Term D

27 March 2015 (Alliance Française)

The Alliance Française will be running 4 new classes during Term D (April - June) to help you improve your French.

  • Phonetics class - Improve your fluidity when speaking French and focus on pronunciation, accentuation and transcription.
  • Grammar class - This course will explain specific grammar points to help you to overcome difficulties you may have encounter.
  • Lunchtime conversation class - Revise and improve your listening and communication skills through discussion on various themes.
  • French cinema - Watch and study François Ozon's acclaimed French-Belgian comedy Potiche starring Catherine Deneuve and Gérard Depardieu.

Visit the Alliance Française website for more information and to enrol.  Please note places are limited.

Read more...

Adult French classes in Glasgow - Term D

27 March 2015 (Alliance Française)

We are now enrolling students for Term D which will take place between Monday 20 April and Saturday 13 June.

There will be a new Beginners 1 class taking place every Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm.

If you are new to the Alliance française and not a complete beginner, you will need to make an appointment for a short and informal assessment with one of our teachers so we can recommend a suitable class at your level.

You can also take our free online placement test at this address: www.frenchcourses.org.uk.

Visit the Alliance Française website for full details and to enrol.

Read more...

Top 10 podcasts to help you learn a language

9 February 2015 (The Guardian)

From videos in Japanese to news in German, language blogger Lindsay Dow recommends her favourite podcasts to keep you motivated and inspired while improving your skills.

Read more...

Yakety Yak Language Cafés

15 January 2015 (Yakety Yak Language Café)

Want to improve your conversational skills in another language?  Yakety Yak Language Café offers opportunities to speak French, Spanish, German, Italian, Gaelic, Portuguese, Chinese or Russian in Edinburgh.

Sessions are held in cafés, bistros and bars and are suitable for those with a basic knowledge of the language and the ability to hold a simple conversation.  A number of options are available both daytime and evening.

Check out the Yakety Yak Language Café website for more information.

Read more...

Should I take an online language course – or go to my local college?

20 December 2014 (The Guardian)

Every week a Guardian Money reader submits a question, and it’s up to you to help him or her out – a selection of the best answers will appear in next Saturday’s paper.

This week’s question:

I’d really like to start learning Spanish in the new year and am weighing up the options. Classes at my local college cost £200 for the term. Would an online programme (or even old language tapes) be a better bet? What has worked for other readers?

What do you think?

Read more...

French classes for adults

5 December 2014 (Institut français)

The next session of adult classes runs from 12 January to 28 March 2015, with a variety of courses on offer at different levels.

See the website for further information or call in to the Open Day on Saturday 13 December, between 10am – 3pm, for a free assessment and to enrol.

Read more...

Adult French classes in Glasgow

29 October 2014 (Alliance Française)

The next session of adult classes (Term B) at the Alliance Française Glasgow will run between Monday 17 November 2014 and Saturday 31 January 2015.

We will be running a class for complete beginners on Monday between 6-9pm, as well as a new lunchtime conversation class every Tuesday between 1.30-2.30pm.

More information and an enrolment form is available on the Alliance Française website.

Read more...

Jane Seymour: ‘Everyone should know another language’

24 October 2014 (Guardian)

Actor Jane Seymour’s mother learned Japanese and Malay while in an Indonesian concentration camp. She shares how this has shaped her attitudes to language learning/

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Paddy Ashdown: ‘Learning six languages has changed my life’

14 October 2014 (Guardian)

From speaking Malay as a young marine, to offending his Chinese teacher with unfortunate translations, Paddy shares the twists and turns of his language adventures.

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Why “younger” is not always “better” in foreign language learning

8 October 2014 (Birkbeck)

Politicians can be forgiven for not having much time to read the fine print when asking advisers to translate research findings into workable policies. Or does it work the other way round? Do politicians decide on policies first and subsequently ask advisers for appropriate research findings to back up the policy? This seems the case when considering the wide consensus across the world about the benefits of early introduction of foreign languages (FLs) in pupils’ school curriculum. The expression “younger is better” in education sounds perfectly plausible, is simple and convincing, and must be a vote winner.

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Cooking with strangers: the best way to learn a language?

3 October 2014 (Guardian)

Sarah Johnson struggles with shaping pizza dough, but she does pick up some Italian when taking a combined cookery and language class

Read more...

Related Links

Learning language through cookery and technology (Science Daily, 22 September 2014 - Researchers at Newcastle University have cooked up a new way to teach modern languages.

DELF/DALF

30 September 2014 (Alliance Française)

The next session for the DELF/DALF will take place in December 2014. Deadline to enrol: Saturday 8th November. Whether you are currently enrolled in one of our classes or are an external candidate, you can obtain a formal proof of your level by sitting a DELF/DALF examination at the AF Glasgow.

Read more...

Am I too old to learn a new language?

13 September 2014 (Guardian)

When Adrian Black met his Italian partner 10 years ago, he was determined to learn her home language. Having successively picked up French a decade earlier when he lived in France, he felt the challenge was attainable.

Distance learning courses at the University of Dundee

8 September 2014 (University of Dundee)

Are you, or do you know someone who is ...
  • looking to jump-start their knowledge of French/German/Spanish/Chinese/Gaelic from the basics up to Higher and beyond by distance learning? 
  • an advanced student of French/German/Spanish (Higher+ or equivalent) who wishes to gain a University Diploma in French/German/Spanish for work purposes or for personal interest? 
  • a Secondary Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) teacher who wishes to gain a GTC recognised additional teaching qualification in French/German/Spanish? 
  • a Primary, Further or Adult Education teacher who would like to improve existing language skills for teaching purposes.

Please consult our website or pass this information on to someone who might be interested.

Read more...

Learning another language? Don’t bother

5 September 2014 (FT Magazine)

Aged 57, the American William Alexander set out to learn French. His engaging new memoir, Flirting with French, describes his year-long attempt. You come away from the book with an unfashionable question: for native English-speakers aged over 12, is it still worth investing the time to learn a language?

Read more...

Living in Britain with no English

19 August 2014 (BBC)

There are almost a million people in the UK who are not conversant in the English language. How much does that matter? Newsnight has had first sight of a report, from the think tank Demos, which calls for a complete overhaul of the government's language training programme.

Jim Reed has been finding out what it is like to live in Britain without English. See the video report.

Read more...

Learning second language 'slows brain ageing'

2 June 2014 (BBC News)

Learning a second language can have a positive effect on the brain, even if it is taken up in adulthood, a University of Edinburgh study suggests.

Researchers found that reading, verbal fluency and intelligence were improved in a study of 262 people tested either aged 11 or in their seventies.

A previous study suggested that being bilingual could delay the onset of dementia by several years.

Read more...

Term D French classes now enrolling

16 April 2014 (Alliance Française)

Enrolments are now being taken for Term D adult French classes in Glasgow which will take place between Tuesday 22nd April and Monday 16th June.

Visit the Alliance Française website for full details and to enrol.

Read more...

I didn't practise any German in bilingual Berlin

11 April 2014 (The Guardian)

I went to Berlin and didn't speak German. What's even worse is that I didn't really try that hard, either.

It all started to go wrong at the hotel reception. The immaculate staff at the Amano spoke perfect English, I'm not talking the level of English you'd expect in a decent hotel, I mean the kind of English where you can't even place the speaker's native accent.

My travelling companion gave it a better shot that I did, at least making attempts in cafes to order in German. But when the staff clocked that we weren't German, they switched to English. In quite a few cases, they were English (or American) themselves.

Read more...

Learning something new doesn't have to be heartbreaking

8 March 2014 (Guardian)

A tale about miscommunication between a Brit and French paramedics reminded Matt Hambly not to get broken hearted about his language learning.

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Chinese Culture and Conversation Corner

3 March 2014 (Confucius Institute for Scotland)

Chinese Culture Conversation Corners take place on Friday evenings from 5.30-7pm. Open to anyone who is learning Chinese or who has an interest in Chinese culture, each week there is a special theme.

14th March will see a focus on Chinese Musical Instruments
21st March will focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
28th March will introduce you to some Traditional Games.

Read more...

Fear not, Grasshopper, learning Mandarin just got Chineasy

16 February 2014 (Sunday Times)

It is one of the world’s toughest languages but after a few minutes using a simple picture system devised by London entrepreneur ShaoLan Hsueh, Oliver Thring was grasping the basics.

Read more...

Parents are going for Gaelic lessons

14 February 2014 (Edinburgh News)

Some parents already have trouble understanding the lingo used by their children, but imagine they were speaking a different language?

Concerns that family communication could be lost in translation have led parents and grandparents of children signed up for Gaelic school to start taking lessons themselves.

Read more...

HSK March Exam - Registration Deadline 13 Feb

7 February 2014 (Confucius Institute for Scotland)

Registration for the first HSK exam of 2014 closes on Thursday 13th February with the exam itself scheduled to take place on Saturday 15th March 2014.

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Learning a language: five tips

7 February 2014 (Guardian)

Apps, films, friends and Skype can all help you learn languages.

Read more...

Related Links

Languages reading list: Disney ignores Africa, whistling and Polish for police

1 February 2014 (Guardian - The case for languages learning series)

In Northamptonshire police officers learn Polish, the ancient art of whistling lives on in Turkey and Disney is accused of ignoring African languages.

Read more...

Let's meet in the cafe, I'll be the one with a French dictionary under my arm

21 November 2013 (The Guardian)

We arrange to meet after just two e-mails. As I stand outside the cafe, not knowing who to look out for, I wonder whether we'll get on. I don't care if he's attractive. I don't even mind if he's married. I just hope I don't say his name wrong, or make things tense by commenting on his irregular past.

This is not a date, but a foreign language exchange. Our hour of small talk over coffee will be roughly split in half between English and my exchange partner's mother tongue, which I am learning. We correct each other as we go along, offering idiomatic vocabulary or pronunciation tips when needed, like a free private lesson.

Read more...

Yakety Yak Language Cafés

26 August 2013 (Yakety Yak)

Most language sessions will resume on week commencing 2nd September at their usual time and places.   There are a few exceptions.  Visit the Yakety Yak website for full details.

Read more...

Russian classes for adults

18 August 2013 (SRF)

The new term at the Scotland-Russia Forum in Edinburgh begins on 23 September 2013 offering a variety of courses for adult learners of Russian.

There will be 6 levels this year, from complete beginners (Level 1) to an advanced discussion group (Level 6).

If you are not sure which level to apply for please contact the course organiser Natalia Samoilova.

Full details and an enrolment form are available on the Scotland-Russia Forum website.

Read more...

BBC Online languages for adults: new consultation opened

30 July 2013 (ALL)

After the BBC indicated to ALL in March that online languages for adults was to be abandoned, there appears to have been a significant change of thinking.

A new BBC Trust Service Review of Online and Red Button (via merged service licence) proposes that languages should be included as an essential life skill in BBC provision of formal learning resources for adults. A previous stage of this Service Review (published in May) made no mention of languages.

The new Review is in public consultation stage until 12 August 2013 and ALL will certainly be writing to welcome and reinforce the inclusion of languages in the BBC's provision.

Visit the ALL website for more information.

Read more...

Yakety Yak Language Café summer newsletter

12 June 2013 (Yakety Yak)

For details of language sessions in Edinburgh over the summer period, see the latest newsletter from Yakety Yak.

Read more...

Distance Learning Graduate Diplomas for teachers in Spanish, French and German

7 May 2013 (University of Dundee)

In response to the growing need for Spanish teachers in the UK and worldwide in Primary, Secondary, Further and Adult Education, the University of Dundee in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Education in the UK are pleased to offer a Diploma in Spanish for Teachers by Distance Learning.

The Diploma offers many advantages in that it allows you to study when and where you like, for as long as you like. It is designed to promote a lively, on-line learning community studying the Spanish language and hispanic culture. A high degree of support is provided by native speaker tutors.

The Diploma is recognised by the General Teaching Council for Scotland and carries a rating of 160 SCOTCAT points (SCQF levels 9-11).

The University also plans to offer similar courses in French, German and Mandarin Chinese from January 2014.

Download the attached flyer for more information or visit the University of Dundee website.

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French courses for adults – Term D enrolling now!

5 March 2013 (Alliance Française)

Enrolments are now being taken for Term D which will take place between Monday 15th April and Saturday 8th June. If you are new to the Alliance Française and not a complete beginner, you will need to make an appointment for a short and informal assessment with one of our teachers so we can recommend a suitable class at your level.

Visit the website for further details.

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Yakety Yak New Year Newsletter

5 January 2013 (Yakety Yak Language Cafés)

Yakety Yak Language Cafés have published their New Year Newsletter with updated information on their language cafés. Yakety Yak organise language cafés across Edinburgh for a range of differeng languages, and these are a great opportunity to improve you spoken language skills!

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DELF/DALF Examinations UK 2012

23 November 2012 (Institut français)

The Institut français in Edinburgh and the Alliance Française in Glasgow are the two official examination centres that give French learners the opportunity to obtain the official French diplomas awarded by the French Ministry of Education and are recognised internationally.

  • The DELF, Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française(Level A1, A2, B1, B2) 
  • The DALF, Diplôme Approfondi en Langue Française, (C1, C2)

Anyone who is not of French nationality and who wishes to validate his skills in French may sit the examination. If not simply for your own personal benefit, the diplomas can be an asset to your CV as they are internationally recognized for both professional applications and university studies. If you wish to register for the examination before 15 December 2012 for the examination session in January 2013, please contact the Alliance Française in Glasgow or the Institut français in Edinburgh.

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GCU and OU partnership provides free language lessons for staff

20 November 2012 (Open University)

In a unique partnership arrangement with the Open University (OU), Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) have provided their postgraduate students and their staff with the opportunity to study an OU language module in French, German, Spanish or Chinese. 82 GCU students and staff began beginners’ language modules in October, and more will sign up for higher level language modules starting in February. The face-to-face element of the OU tuition programme is being delivered on GCU’s Glasgow campus at times that fit with GCU’s timetable.

Glasgow Caledonian University places importance on the fact that language competence enhances employability and international mobility and values the Open University’s proven track record in language teaching.

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Forthcoming events at the SRF

9 November 2012 (SRF)

The next Чай н Чат (tea and chat) session takes place on 22 November 2012 at the SRF in Edinburgh. All welcome to join us at 11am for sparkling conversation in Russian and English and delicious cakes. No charge but contributions of cakes and help with washing up appreciated. Details of all upcoming events at the SRF can be found on their website or by downloading the attached news bulletin.

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University of Strathclyde Education Scotland British Council Scotland The Scottish Government
SCILT - Scotlands National centre for Languages