Welcome

Welcome to the ninth edition of the RLN London Newsletter, bringing the latest news on languages and cultural skills to your desktop. This edition highlights a new range of video clips offering bite-size advice to exporters.

If you have any feedback at all please let us know.

Jane Collis, Director - Regional Language Network London.

Your Guru for instant business advice

As more London businesses than ever are looking to export their products and services to ride the recession, the Institute of Export working with Guru Online has launched a pioneering free online tool which can help business to overcome trade barriers.

Short Q&A style video clips by business experts including RLN London deliver quick tips and advice on a range of international trade topics including translation, packaging and website localisation.  Watch our clips now. 

In the news

Languages and Film Talent Awards – LAFTAs
Young people from universities, colleges and schools across the UK are competing to make the most creative two minute clip on the importance of languages. This year's LAFTAs are expected to be bigger than ever, with the support of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory actor Freddie Highmore, Lord Coe and a special London 2012 award category. Find out more.

Going Underground
London Underground have upgraded their ticket machines which now feature 17 languages including Arabic, Bengali and Polish – making life easier for the capital's Tube travellers. Recent research for LU by RLN London had highlighted the importance of a wide range of languages to London's visitors and residents. Find out more.

Three quarters of employers want conversational language skills
A new CBI survey shows that UK firms value staff who can communicate in a foreign language and show an understanding of different cultures. 74% of employers interviewed are looking for candidates with conversational skills to help build relationships. Find out more.

The business of language

RLN London's innovative new Language and Cultural Planner makes it easy for busy managers and business advisers to get smart advice on languages and culture. In less than two minutes you'll get a Planner tailored to your business, directing you to advice, tips and services for training, translation, recruitment, web development and much more. Try the Planner now.

Export to the Emirates
UK exports to the Emirates total £3.7 billion, making this the biggest market in the Middle East region for the UK.  If you’re considering exploring this market, why not start your research closer to home by attending a seminar at London Chamber of Commerce on 2 July 2009? Our briefings and Middle East cultural profile can help you get to grips with local business etiquette in the UAE and other territories. 

Language professionals

Mastering public service interpreting
This conference held at London Metropolitan University on 10 July brings together employers, practising interpreters, trainers and academics to discuss professional development and training for this expanding sector. Find out more.

Recommend a language service provider
If you had a good experience with a supplier you found on RLN London’s Service Finder, why not share it with other site visitors by leaving a review?  Find out more about reviewing suppliers on the Service Finder.

Learning languages

New advice for careers and learning
Whether you’re looking for career inspiration or advice on learning a new language, RLN London’s newly launched careers and learning area can help.    You’ll find links to course finders, case studies of Londoners using their languages at work, tips on applying for jobs and much more.  Visit RLN London’s new careers and learning area now.

Review of languages in higher education
England's higher education funding council HEFCE has asked Professor Michael Worton of University College London to examine modern foreign languages provision amid concern over budget cuts. Professor Worton will make recommendations on the sustainability of languages in HE and their linkage to research in other subjects.  Find out more. 

Summer conference for adult education
This one day conference organised by CILT, the National Centre for Languages is being held on 8 July at the Institut Français.  Plenary sessions and workshops give teachers and managers of language programmes the opportunity to come together and consider the way forward for adult language learning.  Find out more. 

About RLN London

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