Learning Languages

Introduction | Advice for the Learner | Types of Courses for Adults | Finding a Course | Work Experience | British Sign Language

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Advice for the Learner

What is the best way to learn a language?

Although language acquisition by infants is a natural process, second language learning does require effort on the part of the learner. Strong motivation can bring success through many different routes but it is important for most learners that the process is enjoyable if they are to stay the course.

What motivates different learners may not be the same and they may also react very differently to different methods of presenting information. For more discussion of learning styles please see the Lingu@net Europa website.

Teacher training nowadays tends to focus on a "communicative methodology" which emphasises the acquisition of practical language skills, but experienced teachers will adjust the amount of explicit grammar to suit different learners. Some language schools for adults choose to employ untrained native speakers as teachers and to train them in their own methods. Mnemonics, suggestopedia and other "left brain" techniques are occasionally applied to language learning, but are rarely used by teachers in the UK.

Classes or self-study?

The two basic options for language study are to choose self-study or classes, and the selection should be made according to your needs, learning style and situation. Bear in mind that language is a two-way communication process which requires the learner to react to and respond to situations, and it is difficult to practice this communicative element through self-study.

Self-study resources

Self instruction requires considerable determination and it helps if you are already a successful language learner. It is usually regarded as suitable for adults, although GCSE and A Level revision guides can supplement language teaching in schools.

Established courses are often available in a book plus audio recordings format and vary widely from under 20 pounds to hundreds. Some are listed on CILT's Information Sheets 58-61 but for languages not covered here you can identify titles through CILT's online library catalogue.

CD-ROM courses (and occasionally DVD resources) are also available but it is difficult to assess their content unless you can try them first. Some can be previewed by visitors to the CILT Resources Library. Materials held in the library are listed on CILT's technology information sheets.

Lingu@net Europa is a multilingual, on-line resource centre for foreign language learning, which will support your learning and provide links to good on-line resources from around the world.


CILT has published a book of ‘DIY Techniques’ to help people learning a language on their own, or who would like to know how best to use their self-study time. The advice contained in these pages is taken from the book, whose authors are experts in independent language learning.

General learning techniques (p30-33, rtf 16kB)
Learning style questionnaire (p35) + scores and profiles) (pdf 42kB)
Using a dictionary (p27-28, rtf 9kB)

 

Media

Language learning programmes from the BBC vary in length and format, from a one-off broadcast to comprehensive courses; most have free accompanying materials on the website and associated books and audio materials published by BBC Worldwide. Courses are mostly at beginner level and are primarily intended for the home learner but are also widely used in the classroom. Details of programme schedules and other online language learning materials and resources are on the website at www.bbc.co.uk/languages.

For details of broadcasts, resources and other BBC services, see the BBC websites at www.bbc.co.uk/learning/tv/, www.bbc.co.uk/learning/subjects/languages.shtml and www.bbcshop.com.

The BBC World Service broadcasts on the radio daily in over 40 languages as well as English (see radio stations below). Schedules can be checked in weekly publications such as the Radio Times or on the BBC website at www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice.

In addition to the BBC World Service Broadcasts (see above), times and wavelengths of broadcasts can be found by consulting:

Foreign embassies may also be able to provide information on radio broadcasts transmitted by their respective countries.


Classes

Primary schools

From September 2009, primary schools in England will be introducing an entitlement to language learning at Key Stage 2 (years 3 to 6, ages 7 to 11) and in preparation for this language teaching in primary schools is already increasing. For detailed information on the teaching of languages at Key Stage 2, please see the KS2 Framework for Languages. For information on developments in primary language learning see NACELL.

Advice for parents on how to support language learning is provided in Bringing it home. The book is aimed at parents of primary age children and contains simple activities to do at home or on holiday, rhymes, counting games and songs, and advice on what works best. The authors are experts in the teaching of languages to young children.

How are foreign languages taught in primary schools? - ch4 (rtf 8kB)
Helping your child get started - ch5 (rtf 27kB)
Rhymes, songs and poems - first para of ch6 (rtf 4kB)

Secondary schools

In the state-funded secondary sector a modern foreign language is compulsory from 11 to 14 and an entitlement thereafter to age 16. From 16-19 modern foreign languages are optional but widely available in schools with sixth forms and in colleges. Languages in independent secondary education are at the discretion of individual schools but you can expect to find them.

CILT provides a list of Language Colleges which offer foreign languages from 11-19 and support language learning in their local community.

Universities

Universities offer many language courses ranging from full time specialist language degrees through degrees which combine languages with another subject to optional beginners courses offered via institution-wide language teaching programmes. For information on studying languages at a university see Studying languages at university (pdf 102kB).

Lifelong learning and languages for employment

Many different kinds of institutions offer courses for adult learners. The courses may be for recreational or work purposes. State funding for adult education tends to be restricted to vocational training and to courses leading to a recognised qualification. However, holiday language and other leisure courses do still exist in some cases. Local authority part time and evening class prospectuses are usually available from your local public library. Due to the frequency at which course provision changes, we are not able to list details of course providers.

If you would like further information about the different taught learning opportunities available to adults, please see Types of language courses for adults. For information on courses, please see Finding a course.

Overseas courses

Learning while immersed in the culture of the country is for many people the ideal option. Drawbacks can include the cost of the course and the difficulty of identifying reputable language schools. For some countries, e.g. France, Germany and Spain, there are government networks of centres or associations of language schools which adhere to published standards. In others the rule is "buyer beware!" Starting points for investigating overseas language schools include some of CILT's partners, especially embassies and cultural institutes. Most courses abroad are for adults, with school trips providing an overseas experience for teenagers.

Examinations and accreditation

Approved qualifications may be attained through continuous assessment or examination or a combination of both. Progress can also be recorded in your own European Language Portfolio.

Textbooks and resources

For information on materials for learning and teaching, please see the FAQ on materials and resources.
Other publications, including titles on how to learn a language and learning techniques can be found through searching the CILT online catalogue.

Last updated 22/06/2007