The Business of Language East Midlands issue 22 - February 2009
Welcome to the 22nd edition of The Business of Language, the free monthly ezine from the Regional Language Network East Midlands. In this issue we bring you news of a German scholarship, help you find out more about doing business in Russia and take tips from a Hollywood actor on how not to speak the local lingo!
Get the lowdown on the Russian market 
UK Trade & Investment and The Wilson Organisation are inviting businesses from across the region to attend Russia Day, an event designed to help companies gain a better understanding of the business opportunities available in this market.
The day will be packed full of information on business trends, culture, the economy and case studies of companies already trading successfully with Russia.
The event takes place on 26 February 2009 at Imago Hollywell Park Conference Centre, Lougborough University, from 14.00 - 20.00 and will conclude with an evening network event organised by the Russia Midlands Business Club.
Places on the daytime event are only £30 and the evening networking event is free.
To find out more about the programme of events or to book your place please click here.
Gerry Blacoe appointed MBE
RLN Advisory Group Chair Gerald Blacoe, who is Export Manager of bedding manufacturers Fogarty (filled products) Ltd in Havenside, Boston, is celebrating after receiving an MBE in the New Years Honours list.
Gerry, who is also the EMITA Chairman, was recognised for "services to international trade and the community."
We would like to take this opportunity to offer our congratulations to Gerry and wish him all the best for 2009.
Chance to snap up German scholarship
Derby's envoy from its twin city in Germany is looking for someone to take up a scholarship to a summer language school.
The University of Applied Sciences, in Osnabruck and Osnabruck City Council are jointly awarding a scholarship for a person from Derby to attend the 16th International Summer Language School.
The school, at the University, runs from 17 August to 14 September 2009 and comprises 90 hours of intensive German language training, offered at all levels. There will also be presentations, tours of companies, sports and social events in the German city and a four-day trip to Berlin and Potsdam.
The scholarship covers fees, accomodation and health insurance. Applicants must be 18 or over.
To find out more information please contact Derby's envoy, Lea Arlt, on 01332 255816 or send an email to lea.arlt@derby.gov.uk before 14 March 2009.
Contribute to research and help raise the profile of languages
CILT is now entering the second phase of its research into an occupational and functional map for languages and cultural skills and are currently consulting on the cross-sector applications of languages and intercultural skills in the workplace, through one-on-one telephone interviews and an online questionnaire for employers.
If you are an employer involved in the management or recruitment of any roles using language or intercultural skills or if you are an employee using your language or cultural skills at work we'd love to hear from you.
CILT have developed a short questionnaire, which should take no more than 5-10 minutes to complete, depending on how much you have to say!
Your views are essential to this project so if you would like to have your say please download and complete the questionnaire and return it to annemarie.graham@cilt.org.uk by Friday 27 February. If you have any questions or comments about the project you can send those to the same address.
Many thanks!
And finally...
It seems that not even Hollywood stars are immune to the language barrier as Tom Cruise demonstrated on a recent trip to Brazil to promote movie 'Valkyrie'.
Not realising that the official language spoken in Brazil is Portuguese, Tom proceeded to address a press conference in Rio de Janeiro with the Spanish words 'hola' and 'gracias'.
So, if you don't want to disappoint your adoring fans, swot up before you go!
Source: Yahoo! News