Course Objectives
The principal objectives are:
- to expand participants' knowledge of legal English terminology;
- to encourage participants to speak and write in a clear, effective style; and
- to enable participants to learn more about the way English is used – and misused – in the institutions of the EU
Participants will also be encouraged to explore the difference between
the English which is used in the EU institutions and the language used
by native speakers.
The terminology of the law constitutes the central focus of this course,
which explores a wide range of legal vocabulary, from contract and tort
to company law and human rights. Participants are asked to work
collaboratively on language tasks, enabling them to pool resources and
making the learning process more rewarding and enjoyable.
This ‘combined skills’ course aims to allow participants to practise and
improve their speaking and writing skills. The modern trend in English
legal writing is to avoid the wordy, old-fashioned style with its
unnecessary complexity and archaic language. Participants are encouraged
to discover for themselves how to write in a way which is clear,
accurate and easy to understand using the 'plain English' style that has
become the professional standard.
This course also aims to develop participants’ speaking skills in
English by allowing them to explore and practise the language used,
among other things, to express opinions, give advice and negotiate a
deal. The emphasis is on communicating ideas in a clear, effective,
modern style.
Who should attend?
This course is designed for speakers of English at an intermediate
level or above who have a particular interest in the language of the
law.