English Facts
English is sometimes described as the world's 'lingua franca': it is the dominant language in communications, science, business, aviation, entertainment, diplomacy, and is the native language of the internet
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
89% of school children in the European Union study English as a foreign language
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The only time I ever bunked off school, I was thirteen years old. It was break time and I hadn?t done my French homework and I knew my teacher would be very angry. So, I decided to leave school and deal with the consequences later.
At first, I thought about going by myself but then I decided to ask some of my friends if they would like to come as well. It would be so much more fun if I was not by myself. Anyway, my best friend Niall, who was in a different class from me, decided that he would join me. Thus, we quickly marched to the bike sheds at the back of the playground as the bell rang for class.
We got on the bikes and headed straight for the school gates. I pedalled as fast as I could and all the time my heart was pounding, partly from the pedalling but mostly because I was scared of getting caught. We rode through the neighbouring housing estate with jackets covering our uniforms. Not that anyone would have noticed us or anything!
It was the beginning of summer and the sky was clear, the sun had been out for days and everywhere was quiet. Not having anywhere to go, we decided to visit the river as we knew nobody would find us there. When we got there it was already occupied with a few people from a neighbouring school who were also bunking off school.
We all sat together skimming stones and enjoying the sunshine, but every so often we would think about tomorrow and our punishment for skipping school. There really wasn?t much point thinking about it, I thought, as it was much too late now.
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, afternoon or evening. In certain circumstances, if your home or office is not suitable, you can take your classes at the trainer's office. Course books are provided.
Book now / EnquiryEnglish courses of this type are aimed towards those that need to learn English to aid them with their employment. For those just starting out, it is integral to learn basic greetings and business etiquette; and reading and writing can be adopted once the simple precepts are out of the way. Success has come from students who are involved in import/export, international negotiations and acquisitions, those seeking jobs in multinational companies, and those working with foreign colleagues, academia and bureaucracy. Just our most basic beginners course will have the student finishing the course with basic telephone/e-mail skills in English, as well as survival English should a short stay in the country be needed.
Book now / EnquiryThese courses in English are wider-ranging in their nature, and are driven towards students who have a variety of differing needs. All beginner students will expect to study enough survival English to get them through a short visit to the country, those staying on with the course can progress differently, depending on their individual requests and requirements. Whether you are buying property in a foreign country, married to a foreign national, planning a round-the-world trip, interested in English history and culture, or if you simply want to attain a particular level of English, this is the choice for you.
Book now / EnquiryThe English courses are also available for 2 or more people studying together (Two-to-One English Course or Small Group In-Company English Course). All participants must have the same level, the same business or general language needs and be able to study at the same time in the same location. The booking must be made for all participants at the same time. Listen & Learn do not recommend group classes of more than 6-8 people although In-Company Taster English Courses can be run with up to 12 people.
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Manchester
A sizeable city in north west England, Manchester has a population of around 450,000. It is historically noteworthy as one of the world's first industrialised cities, and for the central role it played during the Industrial Revolution, being as it was the international hub for textile manufacture and cotton spinning (nicknamed Cottonopolis during the 19th century). Today Manchester is a focal point of media, the arts, higher education and commerce; it is the third most-visited city by foreigners in the UK and a major retail centre, with two major shopping malls and several smaller shopping centres in the city centre. Manchester is also known for its venues, the prowess of its sporting clubs, musical heritage, museums, and art galleries.
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."