By Editors Having been raised in a family that speaks 5 different languages, I am often ashamed that I have only acquired some degree of mastery over one of these. Strangely, we live in a country where the ability to speak 5 languages and more is very common, but where being Anglophone is almost revered, thus, making most of us smug with being conversant in just that. This places us in nearly the same category as the Americans; but don’t get your hopes up yet – H1B visas still require an arm and a leg and more. If you, like me, have often day dreamed of being a sexy, jet setting polyglot, or well, just a polyglot – look no further than the LBBD ‘Mind your Language’ Guide to Delhi. Français | Courtesy my mother’s futile attempts at trying to raise me like a lady, I used to pride myself {endlessly} on the ability to rattle off a well-rehearsed, “Je ne parle pas français. Parlez-vous anglais?” I hadn’t the slightest idea what it meant, or how it was spelt, but I went around posing this query to just about everyone who did, indeed, speak English. Today, though, I’ve expanded my repertoire greatly to include, “Excusez-moi,” “Je m’appelle,” and “Merci beaucoup.” However, if you want your French skills to be a tad more impressive than mine, go sign up at Alliance française, an Indo-French Cultural Centre. Established in 1956, this institute specializes in French language teaching, organizing and curating pioneering cultural events. The institute offers 3 sessions per year – Spring, Summer and Autumn, each term lasting 13.5 weeks. They offer the following class schedules: – Extensive classes: 4 hours of lessons a week, 2 hours twice a week {Monday/Thursday, Tuesday/Friday or Saturday/Sunday}. – Intensive classes: 8 hours a week, 2 hours four times a week {Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, or 4 hours on Saturday and Sunday.} Where | Alliance Française De Delhi, 72, Lodi Estate, New Delhi Contact | +91-11-4350 0200 Upcoming Batch Schedule for Beginners Course | Registration will soon open for the summer crash courses and eventually, for the autumn session of 2013. Please contact the institute directly for more details. Courses Offered | Beginner to Advanced Cost | Please contact the institute directly for more details. Online Course | http://bombay.afindia.org/les-cours/online-courses%3A-click-on-french Other Services Offered| Translation services, theater group, placement cell for French speaking professionals, cine club, gallery and auditorium for hosting events. What’s Cool | The location! Alliance Française is nestled between Lodi gardens, the IIC, Khan Market, India Habitat Centre and Meherchand Market. Español | Ever wondered why some of the most widely spoken Indo-European languages, including Spanish, are called the Romance languages? I think it’s because the very image {or sound} of someone speaking that language is so deeply rooted in sensuality. If you’re failing to agree and even Wikipedia is telling you otherwise, stop and picture the following individuals – Salma Hayek, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Antonio Banderas, and Sofia Vergara {from Modern Family}. Now, if you’re done – picture them speaking their native tongue. If that served as adequate inspiration to for you to mouth “que es tan sexy” – head straight to The Instituto Cervantes, in Delhi. Located in the heart of India’s capital, right next to Connaught Place, this is THE place for anyone looking to learn Spanish from an excellent faculty. In addition, they also organise interesting cultural events and host regular Spanish film screenings. Where | Instituto Cervantes of New Delhi, 48, Hanuman Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi Contact | +91-11-43 68 19 00 or cenndel@cervantes.es Upcoming Batch Schedule for Beginners Course | Dates Days Time 25th March – 7th June Monday-Wednesday-Friday 4PM – 8PM 25th March – 7th June Monday-Wednesday-Friday 11AM – 1PM 25th March – 7th June Monday-Wednesday-Friday 7AM – 9AM 30th March – 8th June Saturday and Sunday 8:30AM – 11:30AM 30th March – 8th June Saturday and Sunday 1PM – 4PM 30th March – 8th June Saturday and Sunday 5PM – 8PM 16th April – 28th May Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 3PM – 5:30PM 16th April – 28th May Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 6:30PM – 9PM 16th April – 28th May Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 11:30AM – 2PM 16th April – 28th May Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 8:30AM – 11AM Courses Offered | Basic – A1, A2; Independent Use – B1, B2; Proficient Use to Mastery– C1, C2 Cost | INR 9,500 for the Basic course. Online Course | http://ave.cervantes.es/ Other Services Offered| Translation services, film club, library and more. What’s Cool | The film club! They hold weekly screenings of highly acclaimed Spanish cinema. Italiano | Barring Berlusconi, the Italians have everything to be proud of – their well-loved cuisine, their automobiles, their wine, their women, their designers, and most importantly, their lovely language. I’ve always wanted to learn Italian, if only for the kick of walking into Diva and having a local ‘eat, pray, love’ experience. If you too would like to make an offer that someone can’t refuse, but in Italiano – look no further than the Italian Cultural Institute, in New Delhi. The institute offers a dynamic and culturally stimulating environment and also organizes various educational and social events. Where | Italian Cultural Centre, 50-E, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi Contact | +91-11-26871901/03 or iicnewdelhi@esteri.it Upcoming Batch Schedule for Beginners Course | Registration will soon open for the August session, 2013. Please contact the institute directly for more details. Courses Offered | Beginner to Advanced Cost | Please contact the institute directly for more details. Online Course | http://www.iicnewdelhi.esteri.it/IIC_NewDelhi/Menu/Imparare_Italiano/Studiare_Italiano_on_line/ Other Services Offered| Library facilities, access to DVDs and publications, information and invitations relating to the cultural events organised by the Institute, Italian food at the cafeteria. What’s Cool | The in-house Diva cafe! Deutsch | They say, Hitler was the most powerful orator there ever was and that contributed largely to his charisma as a leader. I think it had everything to do with the fact that he orated in German; for with a moustache like that, it’s a wonder anyone took him [...]