Many people assume learning languages can only further your career if you work in teaching, translation, or the travel industry. Watch this video to hear how people in many different professions have benefitted from speaking languages.
From an employer's perspective too, there's growing evidence of the impact of language skills. A 2021 report from Aston Business School (comprising a survey of 415 UK Small Medium Enterprises) statistically shows that language capabilities add 30% in value to exporting success.
Inspired? Try a FREE language course
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How to learn a language
Learn about the concepts and skills required to learn languages successfully. This free course, How to learn a language, introduces the skills and strategies for language learning, setting realistic goals when learning languages and keeping motivated, practise speaking skills and vocabulary learning strategies. It will enable you to evaluate resources and create a virtual immersion environment.
Learn moreHow to learn a languageLevel: 1 Introductory
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Explore Spanish on OpenLearn
Find videos, podcasts and courses to learn Spanish or improve your language skills
Read moreExplore Spanish on OpenLearn -
Explore Italian on OpenLearn
Find videos, podcasts and courses to learn Italian or improve your language skills
Read moreExplore Italian on OpenLearn -
Explore French on OpenLearn
Find videos, podcasts and courses to learn French or improve your language skills
Read moreExplore French on OpenLearn -
Explore German on OpenLearn
Find videos, podcasts and courses to learn German or improve your language skills
Read moreExplore German on OpenLearn -
Explore Welsh on OpenLearn
Find videos, podcasts and courses to learn Welsh or improve your language skills
Read moreExplore Welsh on OpenLearn -
Explore Chinese on OpenLearn
Find videos, podcasts and courses to learn Chinese or improve your language skills
Read moreExplore Chinese on OpenLearn
The Open Centre for Languages and Cultures
For many more short courses that will help you get started with learning languages, check out the Open Centre for Languages and Cultures.
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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 is for you. This introduction offers the perfect opportunity to develop the skills needed to communicate effectively in Spanish in everyday contexts. This OpenLearn course is an extract from the beginning of the Open Centre for Languages and Cultures short course, LXS001 Beginners Spanish 1: ¡Empezamos!. After completing this free course, you may wish to register for the full course to continue your learning.
Learn moreGetting started with Spanish 1Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with Chinese 1
Have you always wanted to learn how to speak Mandarin Chinese? Are you fascinated by the sound, the script and its ancient civilisation? If so, this introduction will get you started on the essentials of reading, writing, speaking and listening in Chinese through a variety of online activities. A perfect introduction for absolute beginners! This OpenLearn course is an extract from the beginning of the Open Centre for Languages and Cultures short course, LXC001 Beginners Chinese 1. After completing this free course, you may wish to register for the full course to continue your learning!
Learn moreGetting started with Chinese 1Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with German 1
Almost 100 million people speak German as their main language. Most of them live in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, making German one of the most widely-used languages in Europe. Although now associated with economic success and advances in science and technology, German has a long-standing reputation as the language of poets and thinkers, die Sprache der Dichter und Denker. The German speaking countries are also a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a great variety of landscapes - from the sandy beaches in the North to the majestic alps in the South, not to forget hills, lakes, rivers, vineyards and the historic and buzzing cities of Berlin, Zürich and Vienna. In this 2-week course you will go on a journey through Germany, Austria and Switzerland and introduce you to the language skills you need to start understanding and using German. You will start from the basics - simple greetings, introducing yourself and using numbers. Progressing towards being able to join conversations in German and to understand and use the language in a variety of scenarios. This OpenLearn course is an extract from the beginning of the Open Centre for Languages and Cultures short course, LXG001 Beginners German 1: fang an! After completing this free course, you may wish to register for the full course to continue your learning!
Learn moreGetting started with German 1Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with Italian 1
Are you fascinated by the Italian culture and lifestyle, cuisine, historic cities, art and beautiful landscapes? Have you always loved the sound and musicality of the Italian language? Perhaps you’ve visited an Italian city and wished you could chat with local people. Or maybe you would like to be able to read a menu, talk about yourself, or talk about yours or other people’s jobs. Whatever your reasons for learning Italian, this two-week course gives you a chance to start a new exciting learning experience. You’ll start from the basics to ordering food and drinks at the bar. This OpenLearn course is an extract from the beginning of the Open Centre for Languages and Cultures short course, LXI001 Beginners Italian 1: primi passi. After completing this free course, you may wish to register for the full course to continue your learning!
Learn moreGetting started with Italian 1Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with French 1
Whether you want to visit, work or live in a French-speaking environment, you will get more out of the experience if you can communicate effectively with people. In this short course you will begin to develop your reading and listening skills in French and learn to speak and write the language to communicate in everyday situations. You will acquire a knowledge of the basic structures of French along with key vocabulary to meet and greet people and to talk about yourself and others. This OpenLearn course is an extract from the beginning of the Open Centre for Languages and Cultures short course, LXF001 Beginners French 1: eh oui! After completing this free course, you may wish to register for the full course to continue your learning!
Learn moreGetting started with French 1Level: 1 Introductory
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