Languages in state schools 'decline further'

There is an excellent article on the BBC news web site today discussing the continuing fall in the numbers of teenagers studying languages in state schools in England. This problem started in 2004 when the study of a language ceased to be compulsory to the age of 16.

Children and indeed the country will be at a disadvantage for years to come. The answer must be to reverse the decision and make language study universal again!

Alexika to present at ITI regional seminar

Alexika Director Mark and Project Manager Gemma will present at a forthcoming seminar of the regional network (YTI) of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting. The seminar will consider a comparison between our preferred translation memory software - SDL Trados Studio 2009 and another tool

DéjàVu, which will be presented by Paul Clarke of Lodestar Translations. The seminar will take place in the Parkinson Building of the University of Leeds on Saturday 12th February starting at 2pm.

Mark and Gemma will be there in their capacity as SDL Approved Trainers, and are looking forward to some stimulating debate on the latest technology trends.

Mr. Gove - now please finish the job!

The Education Secretary of the UK's coalition government, Michael Gove*, has introduced the concept of an 'English Baccalaureate.' This concept will measure how 16 year olds perform in core subjects - including modern languages. So - this is a recognition that all children should study at least one foreign language up the age of 16, which is so important not only for specific language skills for later life but also as a means to accessing another culture.

This is a current issue because the previous government made it non-compulsory to study languages to the age of 16, so language study has fallen dramatically. How to resolve the issue once and for all? Make the study of a foreign language compulsory again!

 *Picture taken from Mr. Gove's web site http://www.michaelgove.com/

Yorkshire Business Market - 9th May 2011 - Alexika exhibiting!

For the third successive year, we look forward to exhibiting at the Yorkshire Business Market. The event is held at Harrogate's Great Yorkshire Showground and attracts a wide range of businesses from the North East of England. The Harrogate Chamber of Commerce are to be congratulated on their expert organisation.

We look forward to seeing as many clients, suppliers and friends as possible at the event!