Resources, Workshops and Webinars

Language Learning Resources for the Six UN Official Languages

Language learners can find a variety of authentic language resources to develop, practice and reinforce their language skills.

*Disclaimer
The packages have been compiled for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any of the products described. The United Nations does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement, or other information provided by any information provider, any User of this Site or any other person or entity. These packages contain links and references to third-party web sites. The linked sites are not under the control of the United Nations, and the United Nations is not responsible for the content of any linked site, or any link contained in a linked site. The United Nations provides these links only as a convenience, and the inclusion of a link or reference does not imply the endorsement of the linked site by the United Nations. As with all online services and products, safe practices are advised.

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"Live" Workshops and Webinars

How we speak matters: Explore How Language Shapes Our World / L’impact du langage: comment la langue façonne notre monde
Wednesday, 15 and 29 November 2023
Inclusive language has the potential to change the way we think and connect with others. Explore how language shapes society, discover tips for embracing and communicating respectfully in our world; Workshops in French and English.

Powerful Presentations Across Cultures: Global Communications for the 21st Century
Innovation Day, 5 March 2023
A unique workshop on Intercultural communications issues and powerful presentation strategies used by today’s successful global leaders to develop an “international presentation style.”

Coup de pouce au français: les niveaux ONU illustrés
20 March 2023
A session conducted in UN I - Basic level, the live webinar introduced the samples of oral and written French.

Foundations of Language Assessment: An Introduction to the Whys, Whats, and Hows
24 February 2023
Best practices in the evaluation of language skills, including how to use the new UN Language Framework to ensure fair and reliable assessment.
Workshop slides and Supplementary Dossier.

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Additional Resources and Materials for Language Learners

English:
E-guidebook “Clear Writing Campaign”, created by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) to promote the use of language in a way that everyone can understand and take part.

French:
Clear and concise vocabulary discrimination. Original course materials from the self-study “S’informer sur la langue française et la discrimination”, a course on French language and (non-)discriminatory expressions

Spanish:
Introductory Webinar on a gender-inclusive use of Spanish, held in 2020

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Write for the United Nations

UN Correspondence Manual
Guide to drafting official correspondence published in the year 2000.
English (2000) | French (2000)

United Nations Editorial Manual
Guide to the style for drafting, editing and reproducing United Nations documents, publications and other written material.
English

Manual Editorial de la CEPAL
Guide to the style for drafting, editing and reproducing documents, publications and written material at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
Spanish (2011)

UNTERM
UNTERM provides terminology and nomenclature in subjects relevant to the work of the United Nations. Information is provided in the six UN official languages; there are also entries in German and Portuguese.

Handbook on Writing for the United Nations
Created by the CDOTS Language and Communications Training Unit, this Guide is the result of 15 years of experience in offering Principles of Writing for the United Nations, which develops effective communication and writing skills training tailoredto specific UN departments, offices and divisions.

Invitation to contribute

The best way to contact us to suggest open access resources to enhance communications skills is via email at dos-cdots-lctu@un.org