The Regional Language Network exists to promote a greater national capability in language and cultural skills for business and employment They have recently launched a report about the need to develop better language skills in order to compete. The report “Managing in a Global City” is available to download from www.rln-london.com/pdf/Exec_Summary_MGC.pdf. They have also launched another publication called “Talking
World Class: the impact of language skills on the London economy” The Mayor's new Tourism Action Plan makes several mentions of languages and the need to make sure we have appropriate skills to welcome international visitors. The Regional Language Network has said they are already seeing an increasing number of enquiries relating to languages as the 2012 Games seem to be focusing people's minds on this issue. The Regional Language Network has recently developed a series of podcasts for people working in international markets. The Country Podcast series features tips and basic phrases to help you do business with people from Brazil, Russia, India, China and Turkey. All the podcasts are freely downloadable from www.rlnpodcast.com. The Regional Language Network is working on a variety of projects including ways to make language learning more appropriate. There is clearly also a need for more language courses starting at times other than September as well as offering more tailored resources so you don’t need to learn about school phrases when you’re more interested in learning food-related vocabulary. For more information and ways the Regional Language Network might be able to help you contact jane.collis@rln-london.com or telephone 0845 0066 262. www.rln-london.com |
