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Language News
Latest news

August 2006

Armageddon isn't upon us
The meaning of words is seeping away as our language changes. But it's not the end of the world.
(The Guardian, August 31st, 2006)
 
Tongue-tied
It's Britain's dirty little secret, a question touched on every year and then swiftly brushed under the carpet: our disappearing language skills.
(The Guardian, August 26th, 2006)
 
The big question: Why are fewer students choosing to study foreign languages at GCSE?
Why are we asking this question now? Yesterday's GCSE results showed another alarming drop in the number of candidates taking a modern foreign language exam.
(The Independent, August 25th 2006)
 
Why Britain should rise to the challenge of language
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) yesterday described the rapid decline of modern languages in our schools as a "complete disaster". It was commenting on the fall in the number of pupils taking French (13.2 per cent) and German (14.2 per cent) at GCSE during the last academic year.
(The Telegraph, August 25th, 2006)
 
Speaking in tongues
As ministers worry over which eastern Europeans ought to have the right to work in the UK, few ask whether young Britons might one day want to take advantage of Europe's single market and work elsewhere within the EU.
(The Guardian, August 25th, 2006)
 
'Free fall' fears as pupils abandon languages
Decline in French, German entries leads to review call. Situation beyond point of no return, says NUT leader.
(The Guardian, August 25th, 2006)
 
Tongue-tied
Signs of progress in GCSEs but action is required on languages.
(The Times, August 25th, 2006)
 
Teachers call for a foreign language renaissance
Teachers' unions have called for the compulsory teaching of modern foreign languages after GCSE results showed that the numbers studying French and German were in decline.
(The Times, August 25th, 2006)
 
Languages 'at point of no return'
Take-up of foreign languages at GCSE is in "freefall" with no sign of any reverse, a head teachers' leader says.
(BBC News, August 24th, 2006)
 
Joke generator raises a chuckle
Software that helps children with poor language skills construct jokes has been created by researchers.
(BBC News, August 23rd, 2006)
 
Opening day for new Gaelic school
A new £4m Gaelic medium school for children aged from three to 18 opens its doors in Glasgow.
(BBC News, August 21st, 2006)
 
Yakkin' Geordie is mint, pet
Newcastle city council has told its staff to think carefully before they use certain Geordie terms of endearment. Simon Donald, creator of Viz, explains why Tynesiders love their language.
(The Guardian, August 18th, 2006)
 
Voicing concerns
Whether it's tone, speed, pitch or accent, how you speak can have a big impact in how you get on at work.
(The Guardian, August 14th, 2006)
 
Views sought on boosting Gaelic
The first ever National Plan for Gaelic aimed at promotion of the language is being put out for public consultation.
(BBC News, August 13th, 2006)
 
Even the army of urban zombies is keeping the art of conversation alive
Repartee and real social intercourse are said to be dying, but in the age of the mobile and blog they have taken on new forms.
(The Guardian, August 11th, 2006)
 
We're all speaking Geek
The world wide web, which turned 15 this week, has given us a fantastic outpouring of new words.
(The Times, August 11th, 2006)
 
Primary pupils showing passion for languages...
C'est formidable! The end of compulsory language teaching in secondary schools is leading to a renaissance in linguistic ability in a nation notoriously averse to acquiring a foreign tongue.
(The Times, August 11th, 2006)
 
Texting in Welsh just got easier
Frustrated Welsh language texters can try out a new predictive text programme at the National Eisteddfod.
(BBC News, August 10th, 2006)
 
Growing lack of English in schools
At least half the children in more than 1,000 primary schools in England do not have English as their first language.
(The Telegraph, August 6th, 2006)
 
Foreign language ads for workers
Radio adverts are broadcast in Portuguese and Polish to inform migrant workers of their rights.
(BBC News, August 5th, 2006)
 
...and then you have to master grammar
As evidence mounts that standards in English have fallen, the new Compact Oxford English Dictionary for Students is a timely publication.
(The Times, August 4th, 2006)
 
BBC's subtitles 'a slight to Scots'
The BBC has been accused of slighting Scotland by subtitling a documentary on Scottish fisherman.
(The Times, August 4th, 2006)
 
Save us from pomposity and linguistic porridge
One of the least exciting aspects of academic life is wading through the great piles of paper that emanate from government bodies of various kinds.
(The Independent, August 3rd 2006)
 
Pupils 'cannot be called clever'
Teachers should stop calling bright pupils "clever" in case they are thought "uncool" by classmates, a union hears.
(BBC News, August 3rd, 2006)
 
Mind your language if you want to impress global clients
Many UK businesses fail to train their staff to speak foreign languages, a survey has revealed.
(The Times, August 2nd, 2006)
 
Teachers 'need voice training'
Teachers should receive voice training to help them perform effectively in the classroom, a union suggests.
(BBC News, August 1st, 2006)
 
What's so special about Yorkshire?
Tuesday 1 August is Yorkshire Day, when men and women from across this historic county gather to celebrate their... well, Yorkshireness - leaving outsiders baffled about why they have such a high opinion of themselves.
(BBC News, August 1st, 2006)
 
news archive

August 2005
Icelanders speak up for languages
East End Cockney accent 'fading'
Muslims 'want surmons in English'
More...

September 2005
Manx Gaelic revival 'impressive'
UK 'loves languages after all'
Tingo, nakkele and other wonders
More...

January 2006
Web to preserve Romani heritage
Mind your PMQs? It's eff this and eff that
The C word
More...

August 2006
Armageddon isn't upon us
Tongue-tied
Why are fewer students choosing to study foreign languages at GCSE?
More...

January 2005
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