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Languages
The history of Spanish in about six minutes
How old is Spanish? Where do words like siesta, cerveza or paella come from? What languages have influenced Spanish the most?
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Languages
Why is 'modern language' taken to mean 'European language'?
In education in the UK, 'modern languages' all too often means those of Northern Europe. Dr Jieun Kiaer argues that it's an attitude that's outdated.
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Languages
The evolution of English: From the 17th century to the present day
Part two: The history of colonialism was a major factor in the development of English. Follow the global spread of English from the 17th century to the present day.
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Heroes and villains: the presentation of the outlaw in early twentieth-century American folk music
This article will consider how the figure of the outlaw is presented in early twentieth-century American folk music. What is constant, and what changes? What lies behind these strands of imitation and innovation?
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Languages
Do as Dumbledore does: the benefits of private speech
In one of the Harry Potter films, Dumbledore claims he finds talking aloud to himself very useful - is this true? Dr. Carlos Montoro explores the research behind self-addressed talk.
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Languages
Language on the move: Migrating literature and Zachary Richard’s Cajun tales
The musician and poet Zachary Richard has kept the Cajun tradition alive. But how has the migration of his stories affected them? Mathilde Köstler considers three of his tales.
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History & The Arts
Download your language survey kit
Interested in carrying out your own survey into language? Here's the kit you'll need.
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Languages
Reeta Chakrabarti on language and culture
Schools in Birmingham and Kolkata; time as a student in Oxford and France - growing up, Reeta Chakrabarti was exposed to a lot of cultures and languages. In this short interview, she shares some of her experiences of language growing up, and explains how language can be a gateway to new experiences.
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Languages
Croeso: beginners' Welsh
Are you interested in learning more about one of Europe's oldest languages? Or would you simply like to brush up on your Welsh? Then look no further. This collection of audio material features a variety of speakers, talking about their interests, holidays, opinions, likes and dislikes. A short historical account can also be found here. There is...
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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
May the Forza be with you: Star Wars in other languages
Which language has Jabba the Hut's name literally translated to Jabba the Forester? How can you translate Yoda's syntax into other languages? Find out:
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Languages
A polyglot life
A super linguist from Chester, Richard Simcott is also an entrepreneur who founded the polyglot conference in 2012. Read his account of what it was like to be a polyglot before the internet took off.