video icon
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.
article icon
Languages
Crime fiction
Explore the world of crime fiction with The Open University, a world leader in distance learning. Discover free courses, articles, video and audio resources, and interactive activities, free to study and available to start right away.
free course icon
level 1: introductory icon
Education & Development
Introduction to Arabic
In this free course you will learn the Arabic alphabet, vowels, and also a little bit about the history of the Arabic language.
video icon
Languages
Creativity and artificial intelligence
Is artificial intelligence capable of being creative? This animation and associated article looks at the meaning of 'creativity' and whether machines can carry out creative tasks.
activity icon
Languages
Hafan: What do you know about Welsh language and culture?
The future of Wales is as exciting as its past. Take our challenge, listen to stories from the locals and get to grips with Welsh culture and language.
free course icon
level 1: introductory icon
Languages
A short introduction to the English language
This free course, A short introduction to the English language, will look at the role language plays in our lives, with a particular focus on the English language. It will examine the history and the future of the language, from the Anglo-Saxons and Shakespeare to social media communication and stand-up comedy.
article icon
Languages
The interplay of language and culture in times of crisis: COVID-19 and beyond
How important is language and culture in times of crises? This article explores some examples, including zero-COVID China and the war in Ukraine.
free course icon
level 1: introductory icon
Languages
Introduction to Ukrainian language and culture
Building on the experience developed since the launch of the Open Centre for Languages and Cultures, this free short course provides an introduction to Ukrainian languages and culture. This course is for everybody who is interested in finding out about Ukraine and its people and wants to get a first insight into its rich cultural heritage. ...
free course icon
level 1: introductory icon
Education & Development
An introduction to intercultural competence in the workplace
You might think that knowing about country facts or differences between cultures is the key to being interculturally competent – but that is in fact only a small piece of the puzzle! Intercultural competence is an umbrella term for a range of qualities, attitudes and skills that allow you to mediate and communicate appropriately and effectively ...
free course icon
level 1: introductory icon
Education & Development
An introduction to artificial intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents great opportunity, but also significant disruption for modern societies and cultures. This free online short course investigates the historical, ethical and social issues surrounding this technology. It is aimed at people interested in understanding where this technology has come from, the kinds of ...
article icon
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.
free course icon
level 1: introductory icon
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 ...