Latest News
All the latest news from the world of languages and language teaching.It’s a Myth That Adults Can’t Learn Languages as Easily as Kids – Benefits Multiply if Families Learn Together
Adults can learn a second language as fast as children, reports a new study—and it’s only the conditions in which a child learns a second language that’s given kids a reputation as such fast learners. This means that adults can develop the increased neural connections...
There are no passengers on planet earth, we are all crew.
‘There are no passengers on planet earth, we are all crew.’ The British Council International School Award and wider schools offer. Did you know that as the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, the British...
Policy Mechanisms of the Standard Language Ideology in England’s Education System
The Journal of Language, Identity & Education has published a thought-provoking article entitled ' Policy Mechanisms of the Standard Language Ideology in England’s Education System' by Ian Cushing, a Lecturer in Education at Brunel University London....
Teacher Briefing 30: Language Trends 2021
Theme: Language Trends 2021 (impact of the pandemic) Background: The annual Language Trends survey carried out now by the British Council tracks what’s happening with regards to language teaching and learning in the UK Some messages : “It is clear from our survey that teachers are working incredibly hard and there are many good news […]
COE Newsroom: European Day of Languages 2021: “All voices matter” says Secretary General
26 September 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the European Day of Languages. Since 2001, the Day has been celebrating the rich tapestry of languages coexisting in Europe and beyond. According to Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić “The...
New York Times: Lesson of the Day: ‘How Language Classes Are Moving Past the Gender Binary’
In this lesson, students will learn about how teachers are making gendered languages more inclusive — then research a language to make their own suggestions. Lesson Overview Featured Article: “How Language Classes Are Moving Past the Gender Binary” by Molly...
Australia needs to make languages compulsory
Over many decades, governments and others have made commitments to increasing Australia’s ‘Asia literacy’. But is this goal being met? Has the growth in investment in language programs and language study seen in the 1980s resulted in lasting change, or is Australia...
New Study Explains Why Human Languages Share a Lot of The Same Grammar
There are around 7,000 human languages that we know of worldwide, and while they're all unique, they're also more similar than you might have realized – particularly when it comes to the grammar, or the way that sentences can be formed and used. That might be because...
European Day of Languages 2021
European Day of Languages 2021 Annual competition for schools in the UK organised in North-East England My time capsule ALLNE, NfLNE and partners are once again organising the annual European Day of Languages Competition for Schools and in 2021 it is again open to...
BBC Future: How finger counting gives away your nationality
Many people around the world learn to count on their fingers, but we don't all do it in the same way. Could there be a better method? How would you count to 10 on your fingers? Do you start with the thumb or the index finger? Left hand or right? Dactylonomy (counting...
Why some languages are almost wordless
Dozens of traditional cultures use a whistled form of their native language for long-distance communication. TOURISTS VISITING La Gomera and El Hierro in the Canary Islands can often hear locals communicating over long distances by whistling — not a tune, but the...
Are Brain Breaks Worth Classroom Time? 10 Resources To Try
Have you tried out brain breaks in your physical or virtual classroom? Today’s blog post is all about brain breaks: what a brain break is and how to use them with your students. The purpose of a brain break is more than just a pause in instruction; it can have a big...
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