Languages of London Go Live at Language
Show
Press release, 12 October 2010
A new book mapping the languages of London’s schoolchildren and
highlighting the richness and diversity of the 233 languages used
in the capital is unveiled for the first time at this year’s
Language Show at Earls Court.
All the major languages of the world are represented in London,
and "Language
Capital" highlights the value of this important resource for
London’s future as a key global player. It also reveals how this
enormous potential can be harnessed and developed.
Teresa Tinsley, Director of Communications of CILT, the
National Centre for Languages, said: "London enjoys an
incredible advantage in having English in combination with such a
wide range of other languages used by millions of people around the
world. We need to do more to capture the potential of this
linguistic talent to create a generation of highly competent,
globally connected bilinguals capable of mediating between
different cultures and competing in global markets".
The book of contains a wealth of data alongside 29 pages of full
colour maps illustrating the way London’s languages have changed
and how communities in the capital have evolved over the last
decade. Building on the groundbreaking research of "Multilingual
Capital" published in 2000, it is a vital reference book for
specialists and non-specialists alike. Pre-launch copies will be
available at the Show.
CILT, the nationally recognised centre of expertise on languages
will be at the Language Show on stand 411 throughout the three days
offering a wide range of support and information on services for
teachers, learners, and businesses. Visitors to the stand will have
the opportunity to sign up for a free trial to CILT Plus, a new
service which provides primary schools with unique access to a host
of language learning resources and online training. They will also
be invited to sign the Languages Work Pledge – a campaign for
businesses and individuals to sign up and show their support for
improving the nation’s language skills for employment and the
economy. The stand will also be showcasing the latest online tool
for schools - MYLO a free interactive way for youngsters from 11 to
16 to learn and practise their languages.
CILT staff will also be hosting seminars on raising students’
motivation to continue learning languages they speak at home, and
on how schools can compete for the ever popular European Language
Label.
For further information contact:
Erika Cook
CILT, the National Centre for Languages
Erika.cook@cilt.org.uk
020 7633 3319
Press release
(Word, 255KB)