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Languages
About The Open Centre for Languages and Cultures
Welcome to the OpenLearn Hub of the Open Centre for Languages and Cultures, a collection of free taster courses in a range of languages and communication-related subjects.
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Languages
Emotion management for translators
Find out more about this training package on emotion management. The training is designed for translators working as employees in organisations who need to employ specific emotional skills in their working context.
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Languages
Beginners’ Tamil: a taster course
This free course, Beginners’ Tamil: a taster course, provides a brief introduction to the Tamil language and its scripts and sounds. You will learn how to greet people and introduce yourself, as well as how to count from one to ten. You will also be introduced to Tamil society and culture and will learn about the food and music popular in ...
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Languages
Getting started with Italian 3
In this free course, Getting started with Italian 3, you will learn and practise how to make enquiries about travel times using the 12-hour and 24-hour clock. You'll also have the opportunity to learn about the Tuscan Archipelago and about ferry services in Italy. The course also explores the Italian rail network and you'll learn vocabulary for ...
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Languages
Getting started with Italian 2
In the free course, Getting started with Italian 2, you will learn and practise how to ask and say the time in Italian. This will include learning and practising how to ask and say the time using the 24-hour clock, which is commonly used for arrival and departure times and for the opening and closing of shops and services. The course offers ...
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Languages
Emotional intelligence for translators
Find out more about this asynchronous short course on emotional intelligence for translators at all stages of their careers who wish to learn more about maintaining their psychological health.
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Languages
Getting started with Spanish 3
This free course will take you some steps further in your journey toward learning Spanish. You should have some previous knowledge of Spanish, whether you have studied Getting Started with Spanish 1 and Getting Started with Spanish 2, or because you have learned Spanish elsewhere. This free course will allow you to practise some very useful ...
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Languages
Getting started with Spanish 2
This free course is your next step to continue your journey learning Spanish, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. You should have some knowledge of Spanish, either because you have studied Getting started with Spanish 1 or because you have learned Spanish elsewhere. In this free course you will work with audio and ...
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Languages
Getting started with German 3
You'll start this course by building your vocabulary with language to use whilst shopping, such as items of clothing, colours, and how to ask for help. Then, in Week 2, you'll learn how to talk about television programmes and statistics. The course will give you opportunity to practise expressing preferences, asking for and giving permission and...
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Languages
Getting started with Chinese business culture essentials
Business dealings with China are on the increase. As a result, more and more organisations and business people are realising the need of doing more than just adhering to the rules of Chinese etiquette (such as presenting business cards with both hands) or the ‘dos and don'ts’ (such not opening gifts in front of your hosts) to have successful ...
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Languages
Getting started with Chinese 2
Have you always wanted to speak Chinese? Have you even started learning a few basic words and expressions? If so, this course will give you more essentials of reading, writing, speaking and listening through a variety of online activities. A perfect online short course to develop further the skills needed to speak and understand simple Chinese ...
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Languages
Getting started with Spanish 1
If you want to learn a new language for work or for leisure, this free course will introduce you to one of the most widely spoken languages in the world – Spanish. Whether this is the first time that you are learning Spanish, or you have already picked up some words and phrases from travelling across the Spanish-speaking world, this course ...