BBC - Learning Zone - Languages & Travel Programme Listings

Languages & Travel

Tuesday 5 June to Friday 8 June 2012, 04.00 - 06.00 on BBC Two

: WEDNESDAY 6 JUNE 2012
Today starts at 04:00 with Mi Vida Loca - a Spanish journey with a difference. Take part in a dramatic story of intrigue and mystery and brush up your Spanish as you follow journalist Mercedes Munoyerro's investigation of illegal property developments on the costas of Spain. Follow her from Madrid to the plains of Castilla y Leon and finally to Gran Canaria on the trail of a corrupt developer. Suitable for post-beginners and intermediates in six ten-minute parts. Commentary and subtitles in Spanish.

We continue at 05:00 with Le Francais Au Pluriel. This documentary explores the varied and dynamic culture of the French-speaking world beyond mainland France. It examines how different cultures express their individual identities using a shared language, and the relationship of these cultures with that of France. It features key musicians, film-makers, writers, journalists and diplomats from Senegal, Quebec, North Africa and the Caribbean. This all-French version of the one-hour documentary The French Connection has both commentary and subtitles in French, and is a learning resource for post-beginners. First broadcast in 2003, some of the interviewees no longer hold the positions they did at the time of filming.

: FRIDAY 8 JUNE 2012
Today begins at 04:00 with the final two episodes of our Chinese language series Real Chinese.

Finally we follow this up at 04:30 with more Chinese language programming with China Close Up. This six-part documentary series focusses on the concerns, goals and aspirations of individuals and communities caught in the midst of China’s rapid drive for change. The programme is based in and around Shanghai and the south-western province of Sichuan. More information on this series will be available on the BBC Two schedule a week prior to broadcast.

: TUESDAY 5 JUNE 2012
The week opens at 04:00 with a NEW PROGRAMME - Speaking Sport. Jonny Wilkinson and Gary Lineker are amongst the famous sports stars sharing their passion for learning another language. Learn Mandarin with the GB Diving team, practise your German with a Formula One driver and brush up on your Italian with Ryder Cup golfer Francesco Molinari. World number one windsurfer Bryony Shaw and Newcastle United footballers also share their training secrets and some essential Spanish all sports fans should know..

This is followed at 04:30 by La Mappa Misteriosa, an Italian learning drama in which the viewer is one of the protagonists. The viewer finds a map which leads one on a mystery adventure through the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. Along the way one meets a cast of characters, uncovers a family secret and some delicious regional specialities, and perhaps finds the lost recipe for La torta di Serretto. And of course you'll learn to speak Italian with the guidance of the characters met on the journey.

: THURSDAY 7 JUNE 2012
At 04:00 we start with episodes one to eight of our Chinese language series Real Chinese. This ten-part series is for anyone travelling to China for holidays, study or work - and anyone else who simply wants to find out more about this fast-changing nation. The programmes are set in and around Beijing, with visits to mountains, countryside and a popular beach resort. The series covers the language essentials needed to get the most out of a trip and explore beyond the usual tourist trail: how to greet people in Chinese, order food and drink, ask the way, travel around, hold simple conversations and enjoy sports and nightlife. Each 15-minute programme also offers insights into the culture, both past and present, from ancient arts, architecture and beliefs to current tastes in shopping, fashion and entertainment.