Don't miss in Languages: History of English in 10 minutes
Skip to content
My OpenLearn Profile
- Personalise your OpenLearn profile
- Save your favourite content
- Get recognition for your learning
Editor's choice
Dickens: Want some more?
Featuring:
Delve into the world of Dickens on his bicentenary.
Most popular
Most popular from English Language
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
-
7
-
8
Explore.
Watch, listen, debate & discover with our experts
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.
Updated on:
01 Jul 2020
Shakespeare Speaks
Explore the English language through the phrases, plays and personality of William Shakespeare.
Level: 1 Introductory
Updated on:
30 Aug 2019
What is emotive language and why is it used?
Nigel Warburton helps us grapple with the nuts and bolts of thinking clearly, with the aim of presenting good, clear, logical arguments - in order to achieve your desired effects.
Read now: What is emotive language and why is it used? about Managing projects through people
Updated on:
30 Aug 2019
Global English
David Graddol explores how a language from an island on the corner of the continent went global
Read now: Global English about Managing projects through people
Updated on:
30 Aug 2019
What kind of sharer are you?
As social media platforms become more and more popular, it’s become common to share everyday moments from our lives with friends and strangers alike. Has social media changed the way we share grief?
Take part now: What kind of sharer are you? about Managing projects through people
Updated on:
21 Aug 2019
The evolution of English: From Romans to Shakespeare
Part one: The history of colonialism was a major factor in the development of English. Follow the global spread of English starting with the Roman invasion.
Updated on:
09 Jul 2019
From old English to modern English
Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Vikings - how did they impact the English language? Marisa Lohr traces the origins and development of the English language, from its early beginnings around 450 AD to the modern global language we use today.
Read now: From old English to modern English about Managing projects through people
Updated on:
01 Mar 2019
David Bowie: identity is creativity
On what would have been Bowie's 72nd birthday, Frank Monaghan explores how his constant evolution wasn't just about changing the nature of his art - his reinventions were his art.
Read now: David Bowie: identity is creativity about Managing projects through people
Updated on:
08 Jan 2019
Sofas, car seats and toilet seats: where are your tweets read?
@FRosellAguilar is an avid Twitter user who one day tweeted the public a very important question; "where do you engage with Twitter? " From the bathroom toilet to driving - nowhere is excluded when it comes to Twitter.
Updated on:
18 Dec 2018
Unparliamentary language: the benefits of swearing in politics
Getting it wrong can be career-limiting, but getting it right can be hugely advantageous says Dr Philip Seargeant.
Includes explicit contentUpdated on:
03 Jul 2018
Free OpenLearn courses.
Free extracts from OU course materials
English: skills for learning
English skills for learning is a free course for anybody who is thinking of studying for a university degree and would like to develop the English reading and writing skills needed to succeed You will learn through a range of engaging activities aimed at extending your existing language skills
Level: 1 Introductory
Updated on:
04 Mar 2020
Everyday English for Construction and Engineering 2
This free course adapted for the construction and engineering sector will develop and improve your speaking and listening reading and writing skills for your work everyday life and further studies
Learn: Everyday English for Construction and Engineering 2 more
Updated on:
20 Jan 2020
Everyday English for Health and Social Care and Education Support 2
This free course will develop and improve your speaking and listening reading and writing skills for your work in the health social care and education sector
Learn: Everyday English for Health and Social Care and Education Support 2 more
Updated on:
20 Jan 2020
Everyday English 2
This free course Everyday English 2 will inspire you to improve your current English skills and help you to communicate more effectively in everyday work and life
Updated on:
20 Jan 2020
Everyday English 1
This free course Everyday English 1 will develop and improve your essential speaking and listening reading and writing skills for work study and everyday life
Updated on:
20 Jan 2020
A brief history of communication: hieroglyphics to emojis
This free course A brief history of communication hieroglyphics to emojis is an introduction to the history of writing and the key role it plays in human communication It tracks this history from the invention of writing around 5500 years ago to the mass popularity of emojis today
Learn: A brief history of communication: hieroglyphics to emojis more
Level: 1 Introductory
Updated on:
05 Dec 2019
Communication, management and your own context
In management the ability to communicate clearly and confidently is of key importance This free course Communication management and your own context looks at the role of language in management communication and helps you identify areas of English language you may need to develop for work or when studying for a management qualification such as an MBA It includes reading writing listening and speaking activities based on material related to the field of management and encourages you to relate these to your own work context
Level: 3 Advanced
Updated on:
07 Jun 2019
Summarising text
In this free course Summarising text you will learn how to summarise Summarising is useful both when completing assignments and while studying
Level: 1 Introductory
Updated on:
16 May 2019
Paraphrasing text
In this free course Paraphrasing text you will focus on the process of turning what you are reading into your own words which is an essential skill at university
Level: 2 Intermediate
Updated on:
09 May 2019
Business English: Making decisions
Do you want to relocate to the UK This free course Business English Making decisions will help you with the language difficulties that can arise while providing assistance with the practicalities of the decisionmaking processes involved and the consultation that is necessary to ensure employees are kept informed
Level: 2 Intermediate
Updated on:
18 Apr 2019
Become an OU student.
Change your life with a qualification
©1999-2020. All rights reserved. The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302). The Open University is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to its secondary activity of credit broking.