News Broadcasting
BBC launches new language training software
FRANKFURT(GERMANY): BBC Worldwide, the chief commercial arm of the BBC has launched Doki – a Flash-based language training software that is available on its new consumer e-learning portal, www.bbclearning.com.
The new portal service, BBCLearning.com, will make a select range of online learning programmes available from third party suppliers, including Eazyspeak Ltds flagship language product Doki. BBC Worldwide intends to promote the online service through its cable and satellite television stations BBC Prime and BBC World reaching 225 million homes worldwide.
The courses cover a wide range of topics and are divided into four categories for easy navigation. Business (including IT skills), languages, interests (including hobbies and leisure) and studies (containing many accredited courses from some of the worlds top universities).
Eazyspeak Ltd. currently distributes beginner and pre-intermediate Doki English and Doki Spanish language learning products with French, World Spanish and US English coming online later this year. Under the terms of the agreement Eazyspeak Ltd will manage the actual logistics.
With Doki, there is no grammar to learn, there are no rules as such and theres no set course one needs to follow. Users decide when and where they want to learn. Doki familiarises you with a language and provides the basics for everyday conversations. The premise is that the longer users stay and play, the more they will learn.
Suitable for anyone over the age of four, the main target audience for the Doki products are the 16-25 year olds. Doki is completely monolingual and modular software and is built with scenarios grouped by real life communication challenges found in the real world (such as introducing yourself, going to the supermarket, checking into a hotel).
Doki can be used as a self-study tool and can complement a taught environment with a pathway set by a teacher. Users decide what they want to learn by choosing places to explore, becoming fully engaged with the animation and interactivity found in each venue. This unique approach empowers and even entertains users who then quickly begin to assimilate the sound, recognise the vocabulary and understand the structure of a new language, without recourse to lengthy grammar explanations or exercises.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
