GrowlersWorld - The GrowlersWorld Interviews

The GrowlersWorld Interviews

The GrowlersWorld Interviews are an ongoing quest, bringing you closer to successful and creative people in all walks of life.

Rawle Austin presents...

A conversation with Stephen Bellas - Leading the Quest for Excellence in Language Learning

Stephen Roy Bellas is the Director of the London South Bank University Language Centre.

He is part of a team that provides a valuable service to both teachers and students looking to broaden their foreign language skills.

I had a chat with Stephen to find out more about him and his work.

[This is the second of a two part interview (read the first part with Language Centre Manager Herman Prada here).]

Rawle Austin: How long have you been working at the London South Bank University (LSBU) Language Centre?

Stephen Bellas: I was appointed in February 2004.

RA: Could you give our readers a brief profile of your life prior to working at the LSBU Language Centre?

SB: I have worked in a number of universities in London and prior to taking up my current post I was Head of Spanish Studies also at London South Bank University.

I have also taught languages at Universities of East London and Westminster.

RA: Why is it important to learn another language, in your opinion?

SB: One recent survey has produced seven hundred reasons but my personal reason is that it enables me to use intercultural competence in my personal and business life.

RA: What languages do you speak?

SB: English (mother tongue), Spanish (native ability) and French (Degree level)

RA: What's your educational background?

SB: I have a BA Hons in Modern languages, an MA in Hispanic Studies, a Post-graduate Certificate in Education, Institute of Linguists Final Diploma in Spanish and a Diploma in Public Relations.

I have just completed the first year of the MBA in Higher Education at Institute of Education University of London.

RA: What makes a good language teacher in your opinion?

SB: Patience, intercultural competence, professionalism and a practical understanding of equality and diversity.

If the tutor is not a native speaker then her or his level of language must be highly proficient.

RA: Why should people study languages at the LSBU Language Centre?

SB: We have brilliant lecturers, are highly professional in our administration and customer care, and have facilities which are second to none.

RA: What general tips can you give to students on studying languages?

SB: Anyone can learn a language. Do a little everyday and be patient.

Don´t be frightened to make mistakes.

This is how we all learn, even our mother tongue!

RA: What's the most popular language being studied at the LSBU Language Centre at the moment?

SB: Spanish (And by this I mean Latin American and peninsular Spanish).

RA: And finally, how has the growth of China impacted the numbers of students studying Mandarin Chinese?