The Open University

What it takes to be a leader – spotlight on BBC/OU Learning English online series

11 January 2022

Academics from The Open University have collaborated with BBC Learning English to help thousands of people around the world to not only learn English but inform and inspire them about leadership. A new 20-part series is available now through the BBC’s Learning English and it explores the differing leadership approaches including that of household names […]

Donna and her husband toasting with a glass of champagne

“Language studies with the OU helped me further my career”

28 August 2019

A degree in foreign languages with the OU enabled Donna James to flourish both personally and professionally through her career development. She believes that her OU studies played a big part in furthering her career. “My greatest success was passing my degree with First-Class Honours on my 25th birthday – I practically screamed the house […]

Studying at sea – Tracy’s incredible OU journey across the ocean

3 May 2019

As any OU student will tell you, studying takes place anywhere and everywhere. This was especially true for Tracy Thorpe, who spent most of her OU journey in the middle of oceans whilst working full-time as a first mate and chef on private sailing yachts. Tracy started her degree in Modern Languages (French and English) […]

Trump and Putin: why interpreters should never be called to testify

25 July 2018

Interpreters play a crucial role in high-level multilingual meetings. Donald Trump’s recent summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin took a rather unexpected turn for the US president, resulting in much controversy over what was said during it. And now his interpreter has been caught up as well. Trump’s meeting with Putin has created much turmoil […]

Can you learn a language with an app? What the research says

5 June 2018

Language learning apps are very popular in app stores worldwide – and are said to be revolutionising language learning. These apps offer opportunities to practise grammar and can be a very rewarding way to learn vocabulary. But there has been discussion about just how effective such apps can be – particularly when it comes to […]

Revealed: what sexism in call centres can teach us about sexism in society

6 February 2018

Although you are likely to have dealt with both male and female call centre agents, the fact is that 71% of workers in the global call centre industry are female. Dubbed the “female ghetto” or, more positively, “female-friendly workplaces”, women are significantly over-represented in call centres. The reason for this is linked to one of […]

New TV series unlocks the Languages Of Ulster

8 November 2017

A fascinating, new three-part documentary series, co-produced by The Open University and BBC Two Northern Ireland, Languages of Ulster begins on Sunday 12th November at 10pm. It explores Ulster’s unique linguistic traditions – Irish Gaelic, northern Hiberno English and Ulster-Scots – and the relationship between them. The Concise Ulster Dictionary will guide us as […]

Definition of word fascism in dictionary

The world’s words of the year pass judgement on a dark, surreal 2016

22 December 2016

Every December, lexicographers around the world choose their “words of the year”, and this year, perhaps more than ever, the stories these tell provide a fascinating insight into how we’ve experienced the drama and trauma of the last 12 months. 2016 had potential. It was 500 years ago that Thomas More wrote his Utopia, and […]

How does the language you use affect others?

19 April 2016

Stress – the focus of Mental Health Awareness Week – is a key factor in mental health, including anxiety and depression. How we talk about depression can have unintended consequences, says Dr Zsofia Demjen, a lecturer in English language and applied linguistics. Using phrases like “I’m so depressed” runs the risk of normalising serious issues […]

Why English language lessons are not the answer to radicalisation

26 January 2016

David Cameron used an article in The Times and an interview on Radio 4’s Today show to announce £20m of extra funding to provide English lessons for Muslim women in the UK to prevent them from becoming “second-class citizens”. The prime minister’s announcement has come in for harsh criticism, particularly his implication that not speaking […]

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