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Special Interest Groups

We have listened to the views of people from business, training organisations and the local community - our partners in market research and training activities. In addition to training activities, it has become clear that there are communities of interest in language and cultures.

We want to bring together people with different motivations who share a common interest, and who will benefit from their contact in different ways.

The following Groups are currently - or in the process of being - set up:

• Chinese

• French

• German

• Islamic Culture

• Spanish

• General Cultural Awareness

The idea came from the ISAF Youth World Sailing Championships in 2006, where RLN SW trained local school students to welcome each competing country at the opening parade in more than 40 languages. Local business need for a range of language support services (eg, ad hoc translators, social hosts, specialist tutors, tour guides) led RLN SW to set up Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in German, French and Chinese initially.

• The aim is to have 40 groups each promoting a different language, sponsored by a local company or organisation

• Colfox Language College and other providers wish to work in partnership to promote language learning on this theme

• RLN SW already has access to over 50 volunteers, covering 20 languages

• Our case study of Portland Port as a Business Language Champion provides evidence of positive outcomes of partnerships for employers, local schools and colleges in the

• German special interest group. Find out more at http://rlnsouthwest.com/case_studies/SW

Potential partners are businesses, schools, FE colleges, volunteers, local councils, the LSC and SWRDA.

To find out more, please contact us.

Learn more about how you can join the Volunteer Register for Culture and Languages

The benefits of special interest groups - Case Study: Portland Port

• Raise awareness about the need to learn and use languages in Dorset; about the range of languages needed for the 2012 sailing events and for international business. A manager from Portland Port talked to local school and college students about their need for staff with German language and cultural skills.

• Promote diversity of language and encourage participation through events to promote diversity of languages and create legacy of audited skills. A focal point for language speakers in the area, including migrant workers with capacity to move into higher skilled jobs.

• Source linguists for local needs by having access to local experts. SMEs need to outsource linguists on an ad hoc basis, yet want them to know the company's business. Portland Port first contacted RLN SW to source German-speaking Blue Badge guides. RLN SW volunteers may also welcome German cruise ship calls from 2008. RLN SW has sourced a local taxi driver who speaks fluent German. These experts provide occasional support, but stay in touch through SIG events.

• Create training and job opportunities One RLN SW volunteer, a professional, native-speaker linguist, who is taking a career break, has completed a translation assignment for the company. She is able to work part time from her home, located close to the Port. Some members of the SIG are interested in training as local tour guides for cruise ship visits and other local attractions. Others are interested in Community Interpreter training.

• Get people working together Portland Port have agreed to host a site visit by the German special interest group. This strengthens links with education and the local community.