Modern Languages Blog http://ltsblogs.org.uk/mfle Just another Ltsblogs.org.uk weblog Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:40:12 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en New toolkit supports business language champions Regional Language Network (RLN) London has launched a toolkit to share motivating activities and ideas with businesses and schools interested in working in partnership to encourage language learning.

The toolkit includes samples of activities carried out by recognised Business Language Champions, together with supporting materials and advice which can help in building long-term partnerships between schools and businesses.

Read more from CILT

]]> http://ltsblogs.org.uk/mfle/2008/07/24/new-toolkit-supports-business-language-champions/ UK embraces technology to win European languages awards UK winners of the prestigious European Award for Languages have shown that learners of all ages are inspired to develop language skills through creative use of new technologies. Podcasts, interactive DVDs and video conferencing all feature in projects run by the winners of the Award.

One of this year’s winners was Woodhill Primary School in Glasgow.

Read more about the European languages awards and find out more about the Woodhill Primary project.

]]> http://ltsblogs.org.uk/mfle/2008/07/24/uk-embraces-technology-to-win-european-languages-awards/ Multilingualism: How languages help business European Commission Press Release: 11 July, 2008

The Business Forum for multilingualism, set up in 2007 to explore how language skills can have an impact on trade and jobs in the European Union, delivered its report to Commissioner Orban today. The report gives a clear overview of what needs to be done to help companies gain access to new markets and new business opportunities in the globalised world.

Read the full article

]]> http://ltsblogs.org.uk/mfle/2008/07/14/multilingualism-how-languages-help-business/ Glasgow’s River Festival’s China theme For a great day out head down to the Clyde when China comes alive at Glasgow’s River Festival on Saturday 19 July.

Silk Screens at the River Festival comprises both live and on screen events. Live events in Glasgow will be themed around the Chinese element of water, represented by a giant moving turtle, and involving performances from professional and community Chinese artists. 

On screen BBC Video Nation and Big Screens will link up to other China Days around the country. The River Festival’s China theme on Saturday will add an intriguing international flavour to what is already a major festival.

Visit the Glasgow River Festival website for more information.

]]> http://ltsblogs.org.uk/mfle/2008/07/14/glasgow%e2%80%99s-river-festival%e2%80%99s-china-theme/ Quick fix Summer phrases Whether it’s a cultural city break in Rome, sunbathing on the Spanish Costas, partying in Portugal or sampling Greek gastronomy, don’t forget to pack your printable, downloadable Quick Fix phrases in Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Greek from BBC Languages.

Quick fix Summer phrases

]]> http://ltsblogs.org.uk/mfle/2008/07/14/quick-fix-summer-phrases/ Chinese phrases and mini-guides from BBC languages These essential Chinese holiday phrases for your mp3 player and mini-guides will give you a quick fix in the language and an insight into the Chinese tones and characters as well as pinyin.

Visit BBC Languages to find out more

]]> http://ltsblogs.org.uk/mfle/2008/07/14/chinese-phrases-and-mini-guides-from-bbc-languages/ My SQA Countdown Candidates wanting to receive their exam results by email or text must sign up by 5 pm on 17 July.

Go to www.mysqa.org.uk to register for MySQA, the new service that lets you sign up to get your exam results by email or text on Tuesday 5 August 2008.

]]> http://ltsblogs.org.uk/mfle/2008/07/14/my-sqa-countdown/ Gaelic dictionary BBC Scotland reports on the launch of a business plan for a new dictionary of Gaelic.

The new dictionary will be as important as ‘great art collections’ held by national galleries Strathclyde’s Boyd Robertson, convener of the Faclair na Gaidhlig project steering group, has said.

The aim is to produce a dictionary on a par with the Scottish National and Oxford English dictionaries. Four universities and Gaelic college Sabhal Mor Ostaig on Skye are involved.

Read more on the BBC Scotland website

]]> http://ltsblogs.org.uk/mfle/2008/07/04/gaelic-dictionary/ Connected 21 now available online Connected 21 is now online with articles and features on literacy, Gaelic, PE and computer games.

http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/connected/articles/21/index.asp

]]> http://ltsblogs.org.uk/mfle/2008/07/04/connected-21-now-available-online/ Virtual worlds: Teaching Chinese language and culture Yong Zhao, Professor of Educational Psychology and Educational Technology at Michigan State, wants to teach the world about Chinese culture (and maybe a little Mandarin) before the 2008 Olympics.

Zon is a virtual world where users can live and learn about China through markets, newspapers, television, jobs and other citizens. The Chinese Language Council International contributed over $1 million for the project, which university staff developed with help from artists and writers at Chinese universities.

Visit the Zon website  (http://enterzon.com/)

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