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News Release
31 October 2001 Take up the Languages Challenge! Opportunities at the London Language Show
Visitors to the London Language and Cultural Learning Show on Saturday 3 November
will be invited to take part in a series of instant challenges in languages ranging from
German to Swahili. The sessions, which have been organised by CILT as part of a
special programme to celebrate the European Year of Languages 2001 at the show, will
feature some of the world’s most spoken languages and provide an introduction to some
less well-known ones.
Participants will be able to try their hand at making a paella in Spanish, learn everyday
phrases in Punjabi, count in Russian or write their name in Japanese characters. They
will have a chance to sing a song in Welsh or practice Quechua, the language of the
ancient Inca empire, still widely spoken in the Andean region of South America. All
those who successfully complete their challenge will receive a certificate and there will
be opportunities to win a selection of book prizes sponsored by Collins Educational.
This year, thousands of people have already taken up the Languages Challenge and learnt
a new language. The UK President of EYL, Sir Trevor McDonald, who has himself
taken up the challenge in Spanish, comments “ Language Learning at its best can be one
of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences that life can offer. This is why we want
everyone to learn or do something in another language in 2001 – by taking up the
Languages Challenge.”
Ends
For further press information telephone: (00) (44) (0)20 7379 5101 ext. 252
Notes for Editors
1. The London Languages and Cultural Learning Show 2001 will feature an exhibition and conference dedicated to the promotion of languages, cultural learning services and new technology for language learning and teaching. It will take place at the Novotel London West Exhibition Centre, Hammersmith, London W6 on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 November. The instant challenge sessions have been organised by CILT and will take place in the special EYL Pavilion, which forms the centrepiece of the show. Entrance to the exhibition and the European Year of Languages Pavilion is free.
2. The European Year of Languages 2001 is a joint Council of Europe/European Union initiative which aims to promote language learning and an awareness of the importance of competence in other languages. Further details of EYL’s aims and activities can be found at
3. The Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research (CILT) is the Government’s recognised centre of expertise on language teaching. It was established in 1966 to promote a greater national capability in languages. CILT supports language teaching, training and research throughout the UK, across all sectors of education and amongst employers.
Further details on : www.cilt.org.uk
For further information
Press enquiries about the London Language and Cultural Learning Show to Jez Pellow at Enabling Concepts on 020 7608 3132.
Enquiries about the Languages Challenge to Pat Semple on 0207 379 5101 ext 252 or pat.semple@cilt.org.uk
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CILT is the UK Co-ordinator of EYL2001 Last updated on 31st October 2001 |