Mark Robinson CL, CIOL Council Member and director of translation company Alexika Ltd writes on using the internet to improve your language skills.
 

The internet has revolutionised language learning, making it easier than ever to improve and maintain your language skills. Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply brushing up, there are countless free and accessible resources online to help you stay engaged with your target language.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your language skills is by consuming news in easy-to-understand language. For example, German learners can benefit from Tagesschau in Einfacher Sprache, a simplified version of Germany’s well-known news programme. It provides current events in clear, straightforward German, making it ideal for learners who want to improve their vocabulary and comprehension without feeling overwhelmed.

Similar resources exist for other languages. French learners can listen to Le Journal en français facile from RFI, which delivers daily news in simple French. Spanish learners can explore News en Español Fácil from EFE, with news articles adapted for learners. These resources allow you to engage with real-world content while developing listening and reading skills.

Beyond the news, the internet offers interactive tools such as language learning apps, podcasts, and online courses. Commercial websites like Duolingo and FluentU provide structured lessons, while platforms like YouTube host countless videos tailored to language learners.

The key to success is consistency. Even just ten minutes a day of reading, listening, or watching content in your target language can make a significant difference. By making use of online resources like simplified news services, you can stay informed while steadily improving your language skills.

These tools are wonderful for interest, general and leisure learning – but they are not and never will be a substitute for the human professional linguists that society needs now more than ever. There needs to be a constant flow of talented linguists choosing languages at school, then advancing their knowledge at university through language degrees – and post-graduate master’s courses in translation for example. This is why it is such a tragedy that the languages department at Cardiff University is under threat.

Mark Robinson holds a degree in German Studies from Lancaster University and CIOL’s Diploma in Translation. He used his language skills in a career in industrial export sales and marketing, and then as director of translation company Alexika Ltd. Mark is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists, a Chartered Linguist and a member of CIOL Council.
 
This post originally featured on the Alexika blog.
 
Views expressed on CIOL Voices are those of the writer and may not represent those of the wider membership or CIOL.