Languages and the Olympics (Vancouver 2010 or London 2012)?

Yes, languages and Olympics go hand-in-hand – how?

Just came across a great post (by The National Centre for Languages, UK) in regards to the value and importance of languages to the success of the Games (London 2012 and with great relevant to the undergoing Vancouver 2010 ).  It’s so true that language skills not only is critical to the execution and smooth running of the event and help bridge the communicate gap for people from around the world gathering in one place where the Games and actions are but also dramatically improve the experience and appreciation of the diversity, Games spirit, city and culture.

It’s refreshing to see that the British and London officials place great emphasis and recognizing the multilingualism in their planning and preparing for the Games 2012, even though English is statistically considered as the most commonly-spoken language in the world.  They see that language capability as a way to boost the tourism and enhance “global brand position” – so languages are a game changing secret tool for the British  now so-to-speak 😉

Not only the British government see language capability (in communicating with visitors in their own languages) as a vital way to leave lasting legacy of a thriving, innovative tourism industry but also plays a critical in the Arts and in making the Games a truly global celebration.

We can’t agree more.  That’s truly in line with LangLearner’s aspiration and mission in helping and contributing to the language learning for traveling, cultural exchange and much more.  It’s what we do and think about day and night (even while we sleep 🙂

So, prepare yourself for a great experience, conversation and company with people from around world at the Games by learning  a few new languages now.

Ciao.

p.s. Leave you with an interesting abstract image…  so glad to see Canada hosting such big event. Go Go Go.

references:

http://www.langlearner.com
http://www.cilt.org.uk/home/valuing_languages/languages_and_the_olympics.aspx
http://www.cilt.org.uk/home/valuing_languages/languages_and_the_olympics/where_languages_come_in.aspx
http://sofiaecho.com/2009/09/24/788861_english-most-G12commonly-spoken-foreign-language-in-eu-new-statistics

Tags: EU statistics, European Day of Languages, languages, London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, olympics, olympics 2010, The National Centre for Languages, vancouver 2010