Language: The key to communication

From preserving nearly extinct languages to learning the lingua france, words are the basis.

Buchstabensalat mit Tiefeneffekt © Wilm Ihlenfeld #20518285 — Buchstabensalat mit TiefeneffektImage: Wilm Ihlenfeld - Fotolia.com

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From preserving nearly extinct languages to learning the lingua france, words are the basis for communication.

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Reports & Analysis

Say what?

Sometimes even words that appear harmless have a discriminatory aftertaste.

German youth dialect intrigues linguists

It’s not quite German, but it’s not Turkish either. Rather, it’s a unique youth language to have emerged out of the multi-lingual, multi-ethnic urban environments of Germany. Pulse found out why German linguists are so intrigued by this dialect.

Clean-up job

A German publisher is to rerelease a children's classic - without the racist words in the original.

An opportunity to understand

While many foreign students choose to study in Germany, they can have a hard time understanding lectures in German. But a new translation program developed at the University of Karlsruhe may just be the solution.

Just say 'du'

In German, choosing between the informal 'du' and the formal 'Sie' can be tricky.

Generation Change: Bolivian gives his language a digital future

Aymara is spoken by fewer and fewer Bolivians. But 30-year-old Ruben is now working with Facebook and Wikipedia to make sure his indigenous language is armed for the future.

Latin revival

Once dead, Latin is now having its Lazarus moment - but only in Germany.

Music revives an ancient tradition

With only 60,000 Gaelic speakers left in Britain, the future of the language is uncertain. But the Scottish Gaelic punk band Oi Polloi is offering one way of preserving it.

Jargon-busting

The EU is tackling the problem of jargon-heavy language with a clear writing campaign.

The German Language Olympics

At the German language Olympics in Frankfurt, competitors demonstrate their knowledge of German language and culture. 100 young people from 50 countries are taking part in the event, which is hosted by the Goethe Institute.

International Goethe

Young refugees are learning German by performing Goethe's legendary plays.

German classes

At Hamburg's adult evening education center, German language classes are in high demand.

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Tunisia: EU version of 'Rwanda plan' for asylum-seekers?

While Tunisia is a trusted ally for curbing migration to Europe, rights observers don't consider it a "safe" place.

Rwanda explained: From politics to human rights to migration

UK's Rwanda bill: Ethical concerns cloud deportations

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