Free learning

If you are curious about how and why language is used in different contexts, then you’ll have lots to explore on our OpenLearn free learning resources on English and Applied Linguistics

Covering everything from What is Applied Linguistics? to A brief history of communication: hieroglyphics to emojis, we have lots to get you curious about how language is used and its impact. 

Just a few of the highlights of what you’ll find on our language hub on OpenLearn include: 

A brief history of communication: hieroglyphics to emojis –

written by our academics in Applied Linguistics, this free course is an introduction to the history of writing, and the key role it plays in human communication. 

Watch a taster video explaining what is language 

Find out more and register for a free course 'A brief history of communication: hieroglyphics to emojis' on OpenLearn