English Facts
English is the world's first language - it is the dominant tongue for matters of science, communications, business and diplomacy; and is the most-used language on the internet by far
The worldwide spread of English is primarily thanks to the reach of the British Empire and the USA's growing worldwide influence after the Second World War
English vocabulary derives from many sources, though primarily Latin, Ancient Greek, French and old Germanic tongues
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Society today
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Less than 40 years ago, we imagined a future of public transport based on elevated monorail systems, and private transport with personal helicopters, or even spacecraft for everyone. Today, the future looks more like the past than we imagined it would. Development has been continuous in many ways. For example, the car has become a mundane object, but with technology far in advance of that available even 20 years ago. However, its future source of power, something that will replace petrol, is still uncertain.
The field of Futurology is a haphazard activity, despite attempts to formalise it. Associated with it is the Delphi method, where experts make their forecasts about a subject independently, and a referee circulates each forecast to the other members of the group, who comment on each other?s observations until they reach a consensus.
This can be one element of strategy, where companies make long-term plans about future activities. Here, they have to anticipate competitors? activities as well as trends in the general economic environment. Very large companies work on scenario planning, imagining different ways in which the current situation may evolve, and their place in it, including ways in which they may ?encourage? it to develop in their favour.
One of the social predictions made 30 years ago was that people would work less and have more leisure time, but the opposite has occurred. No one foresaw how the computer would evolve away from the mainframe and facilitate a social development like working from home and while on the move, thanks to laptops and, in a parallel development, mobile phones. Similarly, the internet may have social effects that we cannot envisage, let alone predict.
English Courses in Charlotte
Our native-speaking qualified English teachers can guide you and your group at your work or at home, at a time convenient to you. Classes can take place on any day of the week - even weekends - morning, afternoon or evening. If needs be, if meeting at your office or home is not suitable, you can take your lessons at the trainer's office. Study materials are supplied for you.
Book now / InquiryEnglish 1 to 1 Business
Those who would benefit the most from these English tutorials are those who feel they need to learn English to help them out in their business lives. For starters, learning salutations and business etiquette is integral; once these have been practiced then reading and writing courses can start. Typical studiers have been those involved in international import/export, negotiations and acquisitions, those in multinational companies requiring another language, and those working in any way with international governments and relevant administration. Just our simplest course for beginners will have students finishing the lessons with basic telephone and e-mail English, as well as survival English should a visit to the country be necessary.
Book now / InquiryEnglish 1 to 1 General
English courses of this type are broader and are aimed towards students with a variety of requirements. While all beginner level students will cover survival English - needed for short visits to countries where English isn't widely spoken, or if you wish to 'go local'; those studying English usually go in different directions at this point, depending on what they need. Those who have benefitted from these English classes have been those investing in or buying property overseas, those married to overseas nationals, people setting off on a round-the-world trip, enthusiasts in English culture, and those enthusiastic to pass a specific exam in English.
Book now / InquiryEnglish Group Lessons
If there are 2 or more of you with the same level of English, the same targets within the language, and be able to study at the same time and location, then you'll be happy to know that these English courses can also be made available for Two-to-One English Courses or Small Group In-Company English Courses. Listen & Learn do not generally recommend classes of more than 6-8 people, although Taster courses in English can run with up to 12 people. Bookings must be made for all participants at the same time.
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Charlotte
Charlotte is the biggest city in North Carolina, with just under 700,000 residents, and is notable for being one of the fastest growing sizeable US cities. Traditionally a railroad hub and center for cotton-spinning, Charlotte is today the second biggest international banking nerve center outside of New York city. The population has a varied racial background, with a large African American contingent, as well as sizeable groups of Spanish, Indian, Portuguese, Chinese and Vietnamese speakers, amongst many others. This makes it far easier for Charlotte residents to pick up a new language, providing not only a strong basis for finding good teachers but also a host of opportunities for daily practice.
English Testimonials
"I moved to New York from Cuba and had to improve my English for my new job. My teacher was really helpful, lessons were always interesting, and I just kept getting better and better through practice and study."
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