Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chinese
As Chinese enterprises become global, the language is becoming a popular choice in UK
schools, with as many as 400 state schools now offering lessons.
There are two main dialects. Cantonese is the language of most Chinese people living
abroad, from Singapore to Europe and the USA. Cantonese is also spoken widely in the
Guangdong and Guangxi provinces of mainland China and in Hong Kong and Macau.
Mandarin is the official language of government, international relations and much educa-
tion in China is undertaken in Mandarin. It is the more formal language and most students
are advised to learn it.
Both languages are tonal (the same sound said in a different tone will change the meaning
of a word) and therefore can be quite difficult for English speakers to learn. The different
tonal pronunciation, vowels and consonants effectively turn Mandarin and Cantonese into
two different languages, although both use the same written characters. There are many,
many other Chinese dialects, including Hokkien, Hakka, Wu and Hui.
You can find course information at:
www.mandarinhouse.cn/chinesecourses.htm
It has a choice of 12 different courses in Chinese, including one for expatriates, in Beijing
or Shanghai.
French
Languages have changed over time as they have been introduced to other parts of the world
from their home countries and then developed in their own directions. Then there are the
local dialects. French covers French as it's spoken in France, but then there's also Swiss
French, Belgian French and Canadian French.
There's a busy French community in the UK, a large French Lycée in London and more
than one teaching institute run by French nationals, so there are plenty of opportunities to
carry on developing your French language skills when you return to the UK.
German
German has many very strong dialects (particularly in Austria, Switzerland and much of
south Germany), and it is important to bear this in mind if you want to study German aca-
demically, or use it for business, in which case you may need to be learning and practising
Hochdeutsch
(standard German).
Many universities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland run summer language schools for
foreign students.
Contact:
