BBC Learning English launches on Dahe.cn in China

Media News

China, December 18, 2007

The BBC continues to expand its online audiences in China thanks to a partnership agreement with the official portal of Henan Province in China. Visitors to dahe.cn can now access the BBC Learning English content specially tailored for Chinese-speakers, by visiting the BBC Learning English Channel now live on the portal.

BBC Learning English teaches various points of the English language through human interest stories and topics including UK lifestyle and culture. Visitors to dahe.cn can learn to read, write and speak English through the BBC's four popular Learning English features: Take Away English, Quizzes, Real English and Wordmaster.

Take Away English consists of units which learners can literally "take away" as mp3 and PDF text downloads. Topics, which range from the latest Harry Potter book and online gaming to Chinese football players, include listening and reading exercises and an audio glossary. The Quizzes section offers learners an interactive test of their English vocabulary and grammar and helps them with teacher feedback. Real English provides visitors with the authentic way English is spoken in Britain while Wordmaster is a special online game designed to help English learners master vocabularies within a short period of time.

Alison Konieczny, Editor of the BBC English Language Teaching China team, added: "China is the biggest English Learning market in the world, and Henan is the most populous province in China which is why I know its residents will really benefit from the BBC Learning English Channel. It teaches English in a fun and entertaining way and can be enjoyed by students and professionals alike."

Raymond Li, BBC World Service Business Development Manager for China and North Asia, said: "We are delighted to partner with dahe.cn and to provide quality English learning content to this region. We also hope to develop more relationships with online websites in China to help us reach even more English language learners across the country."

Dong Lin, Chief Editor of dahe.cn is also very happy with the co-operation: "The BBC is one of the most influential media organisations in the world. This co-operation will enable us to provide online users in Henan with the most authoritative, professional, advanced English learning materials in the world which will help them to greatly improve their English teaching and learning."

BBC Learning English offers English language teaching programs and online content for global radio and online audience. English learning materials are available online at bblearningenglish.com and, for Chinese speakers, on bbchina.com.cn .

For further information, please contact:

Christine George

Assistant Publicist

BBC World Service

Email: christine.george@bbc.co.uk