Typical questions

• • Can you recommend a good website for translating German?

• • Do your journal databases include articles in French?

Starting points

• • This section focuses upon modern European languages. Restrictions of space mean that it is not possible to list individual languages separately. Instead it highlights general resources that can be explored to locate more specialist information, including recommendations for useful apps. For non- roman script languages, consult the relevant area studies chapters.

• • Queries relating to languages can come from a number of different sources. Overseas students may need proofreading to check their English skills. They should be directed to any local language centres and the resources listed in the International Students chapter. Many of the large databases described in the Dictionaries chapter also contain foreign language examples.

• • Students trying to trace foreign language newspapers and periodicals should first consult the source lists of any local subscription databases as many newspaper and journal resources do index some European language materials. They may also find it useful to consult the Library Catalogues chapter as large union catalogues usually list printed and microform holdings.

• • Questions from language learners should first be referred to any local language centres. The Courses and Qualifications chapter lists potential sources of free online courses that they may find useful in conjunction with the starting points offered by the sub-section of this chapter.

Recommended resources

Key organisations – UK

Association for Language Learning (ALL)

www.all-languages.org.uk

Membership organisation for foreign language teachers. Covers primary, secondary and adult level. Includes careers advice for students, reviews of language resources and lists of events. Members can access more detailed materials.

Association of University Language Communities

www.aulc.org

Covers university language departments in the UK and Ireland. Website has policy documents and reviews of current standards and provision in foreign language teaching at HE level.

Routes into Languages [Basic]

www.routesintolanguages.ac.uk

National consortium which seeks to promote the study of languages at HE level. Its website has resources to encourage A level students. It includes events listings and recommended free resources for teachers

Key organisations – international

CercleS [Specialist]

www.cercles.org

European Confederation of Language Centres in HE. Find information on activities and policy in Europe, including EU projects. Also has links to national language associations.