English Facts
English uses the Latin alphabet, with 26 letters. It does use a variety of accents, though these are mainly used on words borrowed from other languages, such as fiancé
The main influences in English vocabulary are from Latin and Ancient Greek, French, and the languages of invading Germanic tribes and predecessors of modern English. Many sets of statistics have been published on this subject, though none is considered definitive
Fast on its way to becoming the world's first universal language, English is spoken by over 380 million people worldwide as a first language, around 600 million as a second language, and has over 1 billion people considered 'learners'
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Society today
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Less than 40 years ago, we imagined a future of public transport based on elevated monorail systems, and private transport with personal helicopters, or even spacecraft for everyone. Today, the future looks more like the past than we imagined it would. Development has been continuous in many ways. For example, the car has become a mundane object, but with technology far in advance of that available even 20 years ago. However, its future source of power, something that will replace petrol, is still uncertain.
The field of Futurology is a haphazard activity, despite attempts to formalise it. Associated with it is the Delphi method, where experts make their forecasts about a subject independently, and a referee circulates each forecast to the other members of the group, who comment on each other?s observations until they reach a consensus.
This can be one element of strategy, where companies make long-term plans about future activities. Here, they have to anticipate competitors? activities as well as trends in the general economic environment. Very large companies work on scenario planning, imagining different ways in which the current situation may evolve, and their place in it, including ways in which they may ?encourage? it to develop in their favour.
One of the social predictions made 30 years ago was that people would work less and have more leisure time, but the opposite has occurred. No one foresaw how the computer would evolve away from the mainframe and facilitate a social development like working from home and while on the move, thanks to laptops and, in a parallel development, mobile phones. Similarly, the internet may have social effects that we cannot envisage, let alone predict.
English Courses in Hull
Our English speakers, fully qualified to teach their native tongue, can train you and, if need be, the rest of your group at a time that is suitable to you, at your home or place of work. Sessions can take place on the day of your choosing - even weekends - and at the time you want: whether it be morning, afternoon or evening. If circumstances arise where your home or office is not convenient, the classes can be held at your trainer's office. Resources for the course are provided for you.
Book now / EnquiryEnglish 1 to 1 Business
Those who would benefit the most from these English tutorials are those who feel they need to learn English to help them out in their business lives. For starters, learning salutations and business etiquette is integral; once these have been practiced then reading and writing courses can start. Typical studiers have been those involved in international import/export, negotiations and acquisitions, those in multinational companies requiring another language, and those working in any way with international governments and relevant administration. Just our simplest course for beginners will have students finishing the lessons with basic telephone and e-mail English, as well as survival English should a visit to the country be necessary.
Book now / EnquiryEnglish 1 to 1 General
English courses of this type are broader and are aimed towards students with a variety of requirements. While all beginner level students will cover survival English - needed for short visits to countries where English isn't widely spoken, or if you wish to 'go local'; those studying English usually go in different directions at this point, depending on what they need. Those who have benefitted from these English classes have been those investing in or buying property overseas, those married to overseas nationals, people setting off on a round-the-world trip, enthusiasts in English culture, and those enthusiastic to pass a specific exam in English.
Book now / EnquiryEnglish Group Lessons
If there are 2 or more of you with the same level of English, the same targets within the language, and be able to study at the same time and location, then you'll be happy to know that these English courses can also be made available for Two-to-One English Courses or Small Group In-Company English Courses. Listen & Learn do not generally recommend classes of more than 6-8 people, although Taster courses in English can run with up to 12 people. Bookings must be made for all participants at the same time.
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Hull
A large town in North Yorkshire, Harrogate forms a conurbation with Knaresborough, the population of the combined urban area being around 85,000. Historically Harrogate was primarily a hub for agriculture and the woollen industry. Nowadays the town is used as a commercial, conference and exhibition centre, owing mainly to the vast array of hotels built during the period before the First World War when Harrogate was a popular getaway for the English élite. Harrogate also acts as a dormitory town for commuters working in Leeds and Bradford, and is also the site of regionally renowned traditional eateries, Betty's Tea Rooms.
English Testimonials
"Our native speaker qualified English language teachers can train you and your colleagues at your office or home at a time to suit you. Classes can be any day of the week (even weekends) in the morning."
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