More Languages FAQs
1. I can't see the language I wish to learn listed. Do you have any plans to feature it in the future?
BBC Languages is only a small department with limited resources. We provide materials for the most popular languages for learners in the UK, which currently are the major European languages: French, Spanish, Italian and German.
We also provide basic resources in many other languages and are aware that there is an interest in Arabic and Hindi, along with a number of other languages. We hope to develop more materials in the future, should resources allow.
To receive news of our latest courses as they are launched, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
English
The BBC has a site entitled Learning English, featuring News, Work, Sport and Music sections to help you improve your knowledge of the language at a variety of levels.
You can access the site here, where you will also find a link to the British Council's website which provides materials for students and teachers of English as a foreign language.
You can find further English-learning resources from the BBC here.
We also recommend the following BBC services for learning English:
www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise
www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/grammar
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/4_11/literacy
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/wordsandpictures/phonics
Gaelic
BBC Languages does not currently produce courses in Gaelic but you can find materials and useful links on the BBC's Northern Ireland site.
A taster course in Scottish Gaelic for absolute beginners can be found here.
Welsh
The BBC has a website dedicated entirely to Welsh, which you can find here.
Urdu
The Languages website offers a guide to Urdu, which you can find here.
You can also find Urdu content here.
Other languages
The BBC World Service offers content in more than 40 languages.
British Sign Language
To find out about your nearest class, contact your local Adult Education Centre - you should be able to get the number from directory enquiries. The Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People should also be able to help you.
BritishSignLanguage.com offers an introduction to BSL via over 400 photo animations of common words.
Deafsign is a great resource including online tutors and translators, plus an introduction to deaf awareness and a section for schools.
Sign Communique is worth a visit if you're looking for CD-ROMs and videos as part of education and training in BSL.
For more links, log onto Deafclub.co.uk
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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2. How do I find a local course in the language in which I am interested?
Use our UK course finder to locate a suitable course near you.
Your local library will have details of centres and colleges where you can find a suitable course, or you can get in touch with BBC Learning Advice on 08000 150 950. Calls are free of charge and lines are open 9am-9pm Monday-Friday and 9am-12noon on Saturday.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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3. Where can I buy books/CDs/DVDs in the language in which I am interested?
You can check to see if the BBC offers the language course that you are interested in from BBC Active or the
BBC Shop.
Please contact them with any queries/comments at the following addresses:
BBC Active - Fill in the Contact Us/Feedback form
BBC Shop - Send an email to: bbcshop@bbc.co.uk
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
Greek
1. I'm a beginner - do you have any suitable courses?
BBC Languages has an online beginner's course called Talk Greek. This is a gentle introduction to basic Greek in ten sections. It features slideshows and video clips as well as useful phrases with tips on pronunciation and grammar.
The television series which accompanies the course is occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. It's broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your video the night before.
You could subscribe to our free newsletter to receive a notification before the next transmission. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The quarterly schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
We also provide downloadable and printable basic phrases in our Quick Fix section which you will find here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Greek
2. I can't hear the audio - why?
To listen to the audio you will need the software called Flash.
If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC WebWise guide, which you can find here.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Greek
3. I can't see the slideshows/videos - why?
To view the slideshows and videos you will need the software called Flash and to watch the videos you will need RealPlayer.
If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC WebWise guide, which you can find here.
To download and install a free version of RealPlayer, click hereand follow this step-by-step guide from BBC WebWise.
If you have any other media player or an older version of RealPlayer, they may not be suitable and you may have to download the software again.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Greek
4. I don't see anything; it's just a blank page - why?
If you're having trouble viewing some parts of a web page or whole pages seem to be blank, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click here for more information about your firewall.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Greek
5. When I click on the transcripts, nothing happens - why?
The transcripts are available in Rich Text format (rtf). You may get prompted to save the file when you click on the link. If that's the case, follow the instructions on the screen and save it on your system. You should then be able to open it and print it out with your word processor.
If you're having trouble viewing some parts of a web page or whole pages seem to be blank, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click here for more information about your firewall.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Please let us know if you continue to experience problems.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Greek
6. I can't see the useful phrases or cultural notes - why?
It may be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Greek
7. When will Talk Greek next be shown on TV?
Talk Greek is occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. The series is broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your video the night before.
To find out about the next month's broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The quarterly schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Greek
8. Can I buy Talk Greek on DVD/video/the course book?
Unfortunately, most of the videos of programmes shown on the Learning Zone are not available for purchase. This is due to copyright and contractual agreements that cover broadcasting only.
Tutors and teachers can borrow back copies of programmes for classroom use.
Richmond College provides a video library service with copies of broadcasts for schools, colleges and universities who are members of their library and hold an ERA licence. Click here to find out about how you can join their membership scheme.
Language programmes are also occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. They're broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your video the night before.
To find out about the next month's broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The quarterly schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
You can browse all languages related materials that are available, such as the Talk Greek course book, from BBC Active or the BBC Shop.
To contact BBC Active, fill in the contact us/feedback form
To contact the BBC Shop, send an email to bbcshop@bbc.co.uk
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Greek
9. How do I further my Greek?
You can find information on how to improve your Greek here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Greek
Mandarin Chinese
1. I'm a beginner - do you have any suitable courses?
BBC Languages has an online beginner's course called Real Chinese. This is a lively introduction to Mandarin Chinese in ten sections. You can access the course here.
The television series which accompanies the course is occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. It's broadcast overnight, so you'll need to set your video the night before.
To find out about the next month's broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The quarterly schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Real Chinese
2. I can't hear the audio - why?
To listen to the audio you will need the software called Flash.
If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC WebWise guide, which you can find here.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Real Chinese
3. I can't see the slideshows/videos - why?
To view the slideshows and videos you will need the software called Flash.
If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC WebWise guide, which you can find here.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Real Chinese
4. I can't view the Chinese characters and Pinyin - why?
To see the Chinese characters and Pinyin, Chinese written in Western script, you need to make sure that your computer has the appropriate languages packs.
Click here to find out what you can do in order to see them.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Real Chinese
5. I don't see anything; it's just a blank page - why?
If you're having trouble viewing some parts of a web page or whole pages seem to be blank, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click here for more information about your firewall.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Real Chinese
6. I can't see the pronunciation guides/useful phrases/cultural notes - why?
It may be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of web Site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Real Chinese
7. When will Real Chinese next be shown on TV?
Real Chinese is occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. The series is broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your video the night before.
To find out about the next month's broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The quarterly schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Real Chinese
8. Can I buy Real Chinese on DVD/video or a course book?
Unfortunately, most of the videos of programmes shown on the Learning Zone are not available for purchase. This is due to copyright and contractual agreements that cover broadcasting only.
Tutors and teachers can borrow back copies of programmes for classroom use.
Richmond College provides a video library service with copies of broadcasts for schools, colleges and universities who are members of their library and hold an ERA licence. Click here to find out about how you can join their membership scheme.
Language programmes are also occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. They're broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your video the night before.
To find out about the next month's broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The quarterly schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
You can browse all languages related materials that are available, such as the Talk Mandarin Chinese course book, from BBC Active or the BBC Shop.
To contact BBC Active, fill in the contact us/feedback form
To contact the BBC Shop, send an email to bbcshop@bbc.co.uk
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Greek
9. How do I further my Chinese?
You can find information on how to improve your Chinese here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Real Chinese
Portuguese
1. I'm a beginner - do you have any suitable courses?
BBC Languages has an online beginner's course called Talk Portuguese, which you can access here.
This is a lively introduction to the language in ten sections. It features slideshows and video clips set in Portugal and Brazil as well as useful phrases with sound and quizzes.
The television series which accompanies the course is occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. They are broadcast overnight, so you need to set your video the night before.
You could subscribe to our free newsletter to receive a notification before the next transmission. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The quarterly schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
We also provide downloadable and printable basic phrases in our Quick Fix section which you will find here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Portuguese
2. I can't hear the audio - why?
To listen to the audio you will need the software called Flash.
If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC WebWise guide, which you can find here.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Portuguese
3. I can't see the slideshows/videos - why?
To view the slideshows and videos you will need the software called Flash. If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC WebWise guide, which you can find here.
To download and install a free version of RealPlayer, click hereand follow this step-by-step guide from BBC WebWise.
If you have any other media player or an older version of RealPlayer, they may not be suitable and you may have to download the software again.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Portuguese
4. I don't see anything; it's just a blank page - why?
If you're having trouble viewing some parts of a web page or whole pages seem to be blank, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click here for more information about your firewall.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Portuguese
5. When I click on the transcripts, nothing happens - why?
The transcripts are available in Rich Text format (rtf). You may get prompted to save the file when you click on the link. If that's the case, follow the instructions on the screen and save it on your system. You should then be able to open it and print it out with your word processor.
If you're having trouble viewing some parts of a web page or whole pages seem to be blank, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click here for more information about your firewall.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Please let us know if you continue to experience problems.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Portuguese
6. I can't see the useful phrases or cultural notes - why?
It may be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Portuguese
7. When will Talk Portuguese next be shown on TV?
Talk Portuguese is occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. The series is broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your video the night before.
To find out about the next month's broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The quarterly schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Portuguese
8. Can I buy Talk Portuguese/Brazil Inside on DVD/video/the course book?
Unfortunately, most of the videos of programmes shown on the Learning Zone are not available for purchase. This is due to copyright and contractual agreements that cover broadcasting only.
Tutors and teachers can borrow back copies of programmes for classroom use.
Richmond College provides a video library service with copies of broadcasts for schools, colleges and universities who are members of their library and hold an ERA licence. Click here to find out about how you can join their membership scheme.
Language programmes are also occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. They're broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your video the night before.
To find out about the next month's broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The quarterly schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
You can browse all languages related materials that are available, such as the Talk Portuguese course book, from BBC Active or the BBC Shop.
To contact BBC Active, fill in the contact us/feedback form
To contact the BBC Shop, send an email to bbcshop@bbc.co.uk
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Portuguese
Quick Fix FAQs
1. When I click on the audio, nothing happens - why?
To listen to the audio you will need the software called Flash. If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the BBC WebWise guide, which you can find here.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Quick Fix
2. I can't download the MP3 version - why?
To download the MP3 files, right click and choose save target as.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Quick Fix
General Queries
1. Can I download phrases for my iPod/mobile phone/MP3 Player?
The only phrases which are currently downloadable are in our Quick Fix section, which you will find here.
To download the files, right click and choose save target as.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
2. I can't see the keywords - why?
It may be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up. Finally, click on Add.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
3.The text is too small - can I resize it?
To increase or decrease the text size for the web page that you are viewing, please click here and select Windows, Apple Mac or Linux
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
4. Where can I buy language books/CDs/DVDs etc?
You can browse all languages related materials that are available from BBC Active or the BBC Shop.
To contact BBC Active, fill in the contact us/feedback form
To contact the BBC Shop, send an email to bbcshop@bbc.co.uk
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
5. I'm a tutor/teacher - how do I borrow Learning Zone videos/buy books and other resources for my class?
Unfortunately, most of the videos of programmes shown on the Learning Zone are not available for purchase. This is due to copyright and contractual agreements that cover broadcasting only. However, tutors and teachers can borrow back copies of programmes for classroom use.
Richmond College provides a video library service with copies of broadcasts for schools, colleges and universities who are members of their library and hold an ERA licence. Click here to find out about how you can join their membership scheme.
You can browse the BBC Schools shop by clicking here and entering what you are looking for in the Quick Search box. Please contact them with any queries by filling in the form here.
Please note that materials bought from the Schools Shop are for use by educational establishments only.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
6. I'm a tutor/teacher - how do I get permission to use the language videos broadcast on the Learning Zone in my class?
You may make and keep recordings of any BBC programme broadcast on the Learning Zone if you have an Educational Recording Agency (ERA) licence.
For details, contact the ERA:
Telephone: 020 7837 3222
Email: era@era.org.uk
Website: www.era.org.uk
Guidelines for use of our online material are covered by the BBC guidelines for schools and educational establishments. Most schools and colleges already have a licence which allows them to copy and share our material in the classroom, but it is worth checking with your own school or college if they have one.
You can view the copyright guidelines here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
7. How do I watch language programmes on TV?
Language programmes are occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on BBC Two. The series are broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your video on the night before.
To find out about the next month's broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The quarterly schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
8. How can I find a local course?
You can look for local courses via our website.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
9. How can I study abroad?
Going abroad is a good way of improving your language and there are a number of tour operators who specialise in holidays with language courses, often in very beautiful locations. The Association of British Travel Agents can provide contact details - visit their website or call 020 7637 2444.
If you're interested in staying with a family abroad and/or taking an intensive course with classroom tuition or even going on a working holiday, then the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges can help: contact them via their website or call 020 7930 8466.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
10. How can I find a foreign pen-pal?
You can use the BBC search function to find a site for pen-pals which is recommended by the BBC. Simply click here, tick the button The Web and type your request in the search box.
eTandem introduces learners all over the world to the opportunity of learning a foreign language to make it easy to get started. They offer a free search for eTandem partners for all languages, help for learning, tips for teachers etc.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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11. I want to join the BBC Languages team/do work experience/want a job at the BBC. What should I do?
As a large organisation, our recruitment is generally handled centrally, with all details of jobs given on our main website. For more information on the latest vacancies and training opportunities, click here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
12. How do I find out about new resources on your site - do you have a newsletter?
To receive up-to-date information about our programmes and websites you can subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
13. I'd like a link to my website on the Languages website. What should I do?
At the moment, we are unable to publish links to external sites. However, we will be launching a new area of our site next year which will have external links. If you send us your website address using the 'contact us' link below, we will make a note of it for future reference.
Please note that as a public service organisation, we are unable to enter into any partnerships which would entail generating commercial revenue through our website.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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14. I've added a link to the Languages website on my site - can I have a reciprocal link?
We would be happy for you to link to us. Unfortunately, we can't give you permission to use the BBC logo, or any other images from bbc.co.uk for your site, but you are very welcome to have a text hyperlink to us. Regarding a reciprocal link, I'm afraid that at the moment, we are unable to publish links to external sites. However, we will be launching a new area of our site next year which will have external links and we will make a note of your website address for future reference.
Please note that as a public service organisation, we are unable to enter into any partnerships which would entail generating commercial revenue through our website.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
15. General computer queries
Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with general computer queries. However, the following starting points may be of use:
The BBC's guide to using the Internet: Webwise
Enter your problem/query and search for results with Google
Search Microsoft's support pages here
Search Apple's support pages here
Search Linux's support pages here
Alternatively, you could search for the homepage of the manufacturer of the hardware/software you are experiencing problems with and search there.
Back to questions or go to More Languages
Can't find what you're looking for?
Contact us:
We will only use your details to contact you and will not pass them on to anyone else.
Do you want to make a complaint?
Please use our website BBC Complaints.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites
