Business Resource Centre

At the RLN we have created this business resource centre to bring together the websites, blogs and online resources which WE think could help businesses involved in international trade or tourism to improve their language and cultural capabilities.

We have used these resources ourselves and wanted to pass on our thoughts about why we think they are useful, how they work and if there are any drawbacks. Please note that all reviews in this business resource centre are based on our own experience of using the resources:

Before You Know It - Express Version

A brilliant language-learning idea for people who travel for business or pleasure or who want to make overseas guests feel welcome with some basic words and phrases. It is free and easy to use and features 74 different languages!

Kwintessential's Culture Vulture - Country Profiles

A helpful, free resource for business travellers providing an introduction to culture, society, business etiquette and customs for 87 different countries across the world. These profiles are also available as an app for the iphone so you can take them with you when you go!

"Welcoming the World" audio phrases

A useful, free resource providing 70 key “meeting, greeting and helping” phrases aimed at frontline people in the hospitality/tourism sector who deal with foreign visitors. Available in 11 different languages with immediate online access.

"Welcoming the World" customer service profiles

Useful basic overviews to help people in frontline roles give great customer service to international visitors. Profiles are available for 12 different countries/areas and provide practical tips on how to make overseas visitors feel more welcome.

BBC Languages

A real treasure trove for language learners of all levels. It is particularly good for learners who get bored easily and need a lot of variety in their language learning. You can 'test yourself' to see which materials will suit you best and there's a 'quick fix' list of essential phrases in 36 languages which can be downloaded onto an MP3 player.

Language blogs

A selection of our favourite language blogs following language learners and enthusiasts and picking up tips about living overseas, overcoming barriers to language learning and sharing cultural experiences.

Language Line telephone interepreting

This pay as you go telephone interpreting service gives you almost immediate access to a telephone interpreter for over 170 languages, from anywhere in the world.

HSE information in other languages

The Health and Safety Executive has a number of leaflets which are available in other languages so you can present health and safety information to employees whose first language is not English.

Please feel free to contact us if you have come across something useful which you would like to see included in our business resource centre.