Six Official UN Languages | Language and Communications Training

We learn to speak by speaking

Language and Communications Skills courses typically have class groups of 8-15 participants. A few specialised courses may accept a larger number of participants.

These classes offer the chance to listen, read, write, speak, and engage in the target language. Language learners are responsible for their own learning progress. It is in their interest to engage in class group dynamics and actively participate in all proposed learning activities throughout the course.

In "live" class sessions, punctuality is an important part of the learning process. Language learners are expected to arrive on time and attend from the beginning to the end of each session. They are responsible for ensuring they have the essential learning materials, including any textbooks and/or dictionaries.

In online "live" instruction, participants agree to turn on cameras and microphones and contribute orally when required or when invited by the instructor.

Activity types

Participants in language and communications skills courses will discover and enjoy a variety of learning activities, including practice and interaction with others.

Group "live" session activities. A structured group learning live session in real time, focusing on activities (listening, reading, speaking, writing), and on vocabulary or grammar introduction, questions, clarification, language revision, etc. In some cases, group "live" session allocated time will be divided among participants (live, real-time guidance) for smaller group interaction, such as pronunciation activities or oral tests.
Group-based interactive activities. A structured group-based interactive activity can be completed at different times (asynchronous). We engage in group-based interactive asynchronous activities, such as discussion forums or collaborative text drafting. These activities are on the course hosting platform, cdots-campus.
Individual learning activities. Structured activities for individual learning, which are often completed online or take the form of traditional "homework" to learn, review and enhance knowledge. These activities are recommended by the instructor and/or can be found on the course hosting platform, cdots-campus.

Course Types

Language acquisition courses

This series of instructor-led courses build upon each other to enable language acquisition and progression across three language-based levels: Basic Level I, UN II - Intermediate Level or UN III - Advanced Level.

The language acquisition courses develop knowledge and skills in the target language in reading, listening, writing, and speaking, and to communicate in personal, public, and UN-professional contexts. These courses require time and commitment but are highly effective and rewarding. Participants often choose to complement them by following other specialised courses.

Continuous assessment and active use of the target language are integral elements of this course type.

Each course covers 30 hours of instruction that are distributed across 10 or 11 weeks. The courses include two facilitated "live" classes per week – either in-person or online – and a learning component of individual learning activities, mainly online and self-paced.

Content is divided into weekly modules which introduce the language through a variety of scenarios, tasks, and activities. Depending on the language and the level, the content can be organised by week – including preparation before the "live," facilitated sessions and a review after the sessions or by topic, module, or scenario.

Participants are expected to plan their learning commitments carefully before enrolling. To receive a certificate of course completion, participants must attend a minimum of 75% of the in-person sessions and complete at least 75% of the self-paced learning component.

Specialised courses

Specialised courses are instructor-led. They are offered in a variety of formats and lengths, with most courses running between 10 and six weeks. Webinars and/or skills-based workshops typically run between one or two hours, covering a diverse array of language and communications topics.

These courses are usually built around group "live" sessions, with many including applied and interactive strategies, familiarisation, practical checklists, individual and collaborative editing of authentic texts, written feedback, and case studies. They can also include activities to practice and enhance spoken and/or written skills.

Six Official Languages in a nutshell

Arabic is an official and working language

of the General Assembly since 1973
of the subsidiary organs of the General Assembly since 1980
of the Security Council since 1982

Arabic is an official language

of the Economic and Social Council

Arabic is also considered a working language

of the Economic Commission for Africa
of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

Source: Multilingualism at the UN. Why it matters

The Arabic language used and assessed in the United Nations is the Modern Standard Arabic or fuS-Ha, both in written and spoken standards.

However, special attention will be paid to one or more main spoken dialects, as these are essential for everyday communication. Decisions on which dialect(s) will be prioritised in language learning, especially for oral components, will be taken locally and to fulfil the most immediate communication needs.

Chinese is an official language of the United Nations since 1946

Chinese is a working language

of the General Assembly since 1973
of the Security Council since 1974

Chinese is also considered a working language

of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Source: Multilingualism at the UN. Why it matters

The Chinese language features a morpho-syllabic writing system that encodes meaning into each writing unit, the character. The language is also known for its highly productive creation of compound words, formed by piecing together characters.

Despite its unique writing system and tones, Chinese has a relatively uncomplicated grammar without verb conjugation (e.g., marking tenses in verbs) and noun declension (e.g., marking genders or numbers in nouns). Furthermore, technology is making it easier to learn the writing and romanization system using a familiar keyboard.

English is an official and working language of the United Nations since 1946

English is also the official language of the International Court of Justice.

English is also considered a working language

of the Economic and Social Commission for Africa
of the Economic Commission for Europe
of the Economic Commission for Latin America and The Caribbean
of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

Source: Multilingualism at the UN. Why it matters

The written standard at the United Nations is British English. Most personnel will have English language competence at the time of their appointment. Throughout their career, staff will be able to enhance their written and oral skills to communicate effectively in UN-specific contexts and in accordance with text types and conventions.

French is an official and working language of the United Nations since 1946

French is also the official language of the International Court of Justice.

French is also considered a working language

of the Economic and Social Commission for Africa
of the Economic Commission for Europe
of the Economic Commission for Latin America and The Caribbean
of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

Source: Multilingualism at the UN. Why it matters

French is an official language in 29 countries across multiple continents, most of which are members of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). While there are phonological, lexical, syntactical features, and diverse accents in each area, the language is understandable by all Francophones.

Russian is an official language of the United Nations since 1946

Russian is a working language

of the General Assembly since 1968
of the Security Council since 1969

Russian is also considered a working language

of the Economic Commission for Europe
of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Source: Multilingualism at the UN. Why it matters

The Russian alphabet can be learnt in just one day, enabling the recognition of simple words and even sentences. The Russian language has a developed grammatical case system, which gives a fascinating insight into how language produces meaning.

Russian-speaking people of many ethnicities have contributed to the richest artistic and cultural traditions in the world, recognized for its achievements in music, theatre, ballet, visual arts, literature, and film.

Spanish is an official language of the United Nations since 1946

Spanish is a working language

of the General Assembly since 1948
of the Security Council since 1969

Spanish is considered a working language

of the Economic Commission for Latin America and The Caribbean

Source: Multilingualism at the UN. Why it matters

The Spanish language is widely distributed across different geographical areas, mainly on the American continent. While there are obvious phonological, lexical, and syntactical features for each main linguistic area, the Spanish language remains consistent and completely understandable throughout its geography.

All varieties of the language are considered equally suitable for learning and assessing purposes.

Effective Communication: Oral Communication: A variety of trainings in different languages that focus on enhancing strategies and techniques to improve fluency in speaking and interacting. The courses focus on UN-related contexts.
Courses include active linguistic productions in the target language. Full participant engagement is required.
Effective Communication: Written Communication: A variety of trainings in different languages focus on enhancing strategies and techniques for writing more effectively within the UN context. While some trainings use general text to introduce the fundamentals of writing, many target UN-related text types.
These trainings help participants develop their written language skills, improve fluency and gain confidence.
Targeted Language Skills Development: A variety of training courses in different languages that enhance language and communication skills, with a focus on substantive UN topics in the target language. Depending on the language level, the course content is based on cultural and linguistic aspects and gradually moves to substantive UN topics, including an examination of the topics from different or complementary perspectives.

Self-study courses

Self-study courses are not led by instructors. Participants can register and learn flexibly, at their pace. Self-learning and engagement are reinforced by multimedia, interactive activities, automated reminders, and rewards.

Alignment with the UN Language Framework

Language and communications skills courses are gradually being aligned to the United Nations Language Framework standards.

Language acquisition courses build upon one another, creating a sequential learning path. The variety of specialized courses complement the learning progression.

Language Acquisition Courses Illustration, showing levels, and languages.

UNHQ Language Acquisition Courses