June 2008 | Issue 5

Welcome | The world in one city | In the news | The business of language | Language professionals | Teaching languages | About the RLN | Subscribing

Welcome
Welcome to the fifth edition of the RLN London Newsletter. It's here to keep you up-to-date with languages and cultural skills in London. This edition highlights our latest report, ‘The world in one city’, which illustrates the tremendous variety of language skills London residents have.

We are currently re-developing our website and would especially encourage your feedback on it. You can visit it by following any of the links below. Please take five minutes to tell us what you think of our content, navigation, style and linkage – let us know what's good and what's not.

Jane Collis, Director – Regional Language Network London.

The world in one city - the language skills of London’s residents

Did you know that Polish is the sixth most spoken foreign language in London? Or that over two thirds of London languages graduates choose to stay in the Capital after graduating?

Our ‘The World in one city’ research report explores the language skills of London's residents - and the reasons why we need to make the most of their talent. For the first time, UK-wide data from a recruitment agency population of 1.7 million is used to analyse the language skills available in London by comparison with the rest of the UK.

We also take a look at language students and overseas students in higher education, as well as the provision of specialist language services in London. Find out more about the report in our Publications area.

In the news

Half of all businesses are recruiting people for their foreign language skills
The new CBI/Edexcel Education and Skills Survey 2008 provides a fascinating insight into businesses’ priorities in terms of education and skills. Languages are seen as very important - with half (48%) of firms currently recruiting some people specifically for their foreign language skills, and 75% of senior executives valuing conversational ability. Find out more.

Adults regret their lack of language skills
Research released by the Department for Children, Schools and Families showed that not learning a foreign language remains the biggest regret from school days. According to the survey, the biggest reason for regretting a lack of languages is their usefulness whilst abroad. Over a third of those who completed the survey believe that having a language would boost their career prospects. Find out more.

A warm welcome?
A report published by the London Asylum Seekers’ Consortium looks into migration to London especially in the context of the public services, investigating the impact of their arrival on public services and recommending training to understand the language and culture of these new London residents for the most effective service delivery. Find out more.

Mastering languages for business
Languages are seen as an vital component of MBA programmes across Europe. At Cranfield School of Management, a working knowledge of a second language is compulsory for all students. Find out more.

The business of language

Making the most of Londoners’ multilingual talent
RLN London recently spoke to five very different businesses to find out why Community Languages spoken in London were important to them. Whether in finance, government or research, these employers are really benefiting from the talent in London's communities. You can download case studies on our Multilingual London mini-site.

Welcoming the World - at Heathrow
Our latest Welcoming the World workshop took place at Heathrow on 30 May. Delegates from a wide range of businesses in and around the airport learned about how to use languages and cultural understanding in frontline customer service roles – taking away a handy phrase book and a range of other resources. One participant commented, “It was a very informative session. I walked away with lots of useful tips.” Find out more.

Magic numbers
8 signifies ‘abundance of wealth’. 9 means ‘forever’. If you’re considering doing business in China, it pays to consider the cultural significance of different numbers – for example when choosing a launch date or brand name. Find out more.

International Month 2008
Held during June, International Month 2008 is organised by UK Trade & Investment’s London region and is aimed at new and inexperienced exporters. Comprising conferences, workshops and seminars, the month will cover a wide range of sectors and markets. Trade finance with China is featured on 24 June, with branding in India on 26 June. Find out more.

Language professionals

Call for papers: ITI International Conference 2009
The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) will be holding an International Conference over the weekend of 16 and 17 May 2009 themed around sustainability. The ITI are interested in hearing from you if you would like to submit a paper on themes with or without a sustainability angle, or if you wish to put forward a suitable topic for a poster session or conference workshop. Find out more.

Teaching languages

London is the number one choice for international students
International students now account for 23% of the total London student population. There were 89,955 international students studying in London during 2006/07, a 5% increase over the last academic year. London has more international students than both New York and Sydney. Find out more.

Government consultation: 'Higher Education at Work - High Skills: High Value'
The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills have recently published their high level skills strategy for Higher Education. The consultation asks 'What more can we do to provide more graduates with the language skills and cultural awareness to thrive in a global marketplace?' Your deadline to respond is 7 July 2008. Find out more.

About the RLN

Read about what Regional Language Network London does in thirteen different languages.

Subscribing
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© 2008 Regional Language Network London | www.rln-london.com | info@rln-london.com