 Community languages
Over 300 languages - all the way from Amharic to Zulu - are spoken by 90 communities in London. But what does this mean for your career?
Community languages at work
If you speak a language other than English at home - or with friends and family - there are hundreds of ways to use your languages as an asset for your career. London has thousands of dynamic and successful businesses, large and small, who communicate on a daily basis all across the world, for import and export, tourism and the media. Your language skills, cultural knowledge and connections can be a real plus for London companies who want to sell their products in new markets - and for entrepreneurs overseas who want to export to the UK.
RLN London has profiled a number of businesses where Community Language skills are important, from high street banking through to the Underground. Community Languages can be especially useful in the public and voluntary sector, serving local residents - take a look at our 'Communicating in the public and voluntary sector guide' to find out more.You can read case studies of Londoners who've used their home languages at work or get further advice on jobs using languages. The 2012 Games could also give you the opportunity to volunteer and perhaps use your language skills in welcoming overseas visitors.
Learning Community Languages
Courses may be available at colleges and universities, but many local community organisations offer Community Language teaching. The Asset Languages scheme also can also help you to accredit your languages. The CILT website has a useful list of organisations involved in Community Language learning, and from a teacher's perspective the 'Our Languages' website is an excellent source of information.
Find out more about the different ways of learning the Community Language you're interested in, or visit our courses page if you'd like to find a course or learning provider.
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