A Bit of History
Established in 1901, Linguaphone was a pioneer in self-study language learning and first to recognise the potential of the wax cylinder and later records. Linguaphone courses allowed language learners to study at their own pace using original recordings supported by Linguaphone's proven methodology: 'Listen, Understand, Speak'. In both the classroom and via its self-study programmes, Linguaphone has played a dominant role in language-learning across the globe ever since. Our international network has always included a selection of subsidiary, joint venture and third-party distribution companies. The network was first expanded during the 1930's and today Linguaphone sells its products in over 60 countries.

Since the creation of the UK website in 1998, the growth of the Internet has reinforced this global reach. Versions for a selection of markets across the world are now accessible via our group homepage at www.linguaphone.com.

A recent substantial investment programme strengthened Linguaphone's position as the leading global language learning company and allowed us to offer a comprehensive range of both on-line and off-line products and services.

During 2000, Linguaphone made two acquisitions of language teaching companies. CD Live is a Millennium award winning service offering a unique and stimulating way of improving your English, French or Spanish via a topical news service: see www.linguaphone.com/dailyservices for more information. The second acquisition was English Express - the leading English teaching programme on CD-Rom - currently used by an impressive selection of companies, governments and individuals across Europe and beyond.

A number of offline products were also developed for those who like to supplement their e-learning with traditional materials or simply prefer learning via portable audio and book materials. For those wanting to make the most of their free time while travelling (or perhaps stuck in a traffic jam!), for example, our new allTalk range provides an innovative approach to hands-free learning.

Linguaphone will continue to seek to provide the learner with a range of complimentary options for online and offline study.

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Linguaphone Today
Following a major period of restructuring in 2001 and 2002, in early 2003 Linguaphone formed a partnership with the company behind an exciting new concept in language learning: English [Out There!]. Rather than following the traditional, classroom-bound methodology of most language schools, English [Out There!] combines teaching with the opportunity to practice what has been learnt and experience the people and places that make a language come alive. Every class has a clear and achievable linguistic aim in which students are taught a small chunk of the language and then given the chance to use it straight away. By communicating with real people in the real world they get the right accent and pronunciation every time. And by making themselves understood, they enjoy a real 'buzz' of success. See www.englishoutthere.co.uk for details.

In November 2003, this was followed by the acquisition of Direct English from Pearson Education, a part of Pearson Plc. The Direct English learning system is a globally franchised provider of English language teaching with an impressive network of 55 language training centres operating in 14 countries around the world, as well as a strong licensing arrangement in the USA and Canada.

It is our belief that this 'Assisted Learning' approach is the way forward. By combining the interaction and support provided by language schools and online materials with the high standards and flexible methodology of self-study programmes, our students have the perfect combination of resource and motivation to achieve and surpass the level of language proficiency they desire.

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Looking forwards
It is our aim to become the most successful provider of quality self-study and assisted learning programmes in the world. Linguaphone enters its next one hundred years well-positioned to enhance its enviable reputation for providing high quality language-learning solutions via the web, in schools, at home and at work. Fuelled by its own subsidiary companies, as well as a selection of distributors, Linguaphone is set for a period of continued growth in the growing global market for language learning.