Is a 'language school' the same as a 'school' where lessons are taught in a foreign language?

No. A 'language school' teaches the language itself as a subject. A school using a foreign language as the medium of instruction (e.g., an 'English-medium school') is different.

Can a university be called a language school?

Not typically in modern usage. A university has a 'Department of Modern Languages' or a 'Language Centre'. 'Language school' implies a more focused, often commercial, institution.

What's the difference between a 'language school' and a 'language course'?

A 'language school' is the institution/organization. A 'language course' is the specific programme of study offered, which you might take at a language school, university, or online.

Do I say 'I study *in* a language school' or '*at* a language school'?

Both are used. '*At* a language school' is more common for indicating affiliation ("She teaches at a language school"). '*In*' can be used, especially when referring to a physical location ("The class is in the language school building").

language school

UK/ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ skuːl/US/ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ skuːl/

Neutral to formal. Common in business, travel, and educational contexts.

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

An institution where students study a foreign language.

A private or public educational establishment, often for adult learners, specializing in language instruction, typically for practical or conversational purposes. Can be a standalone business or part of a larger educational organization.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Primarily refers to commercial/private institutions for non-native speakers. Contrast with 'modern languages department' in a university.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical difference. Usage patterns are identical.

Connotations

In the UK, may strongly imply private, for-profit institutions, often for English as a Foreign Language (EFL). In the US, can also refer to community-based or university-affiliated programs.

Frequency

Equally common in both varieties.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

attend aenrol at aprivatesummerlocalinternationalEnglish

medium

run afound areputableintensive course at anear the

weak

goodsmallfamousexpensive

Grammar

Valency Patterns

She studies at a language school.The language school offers immersion courses.He is a teacher at a language school.

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

language training centre

Neutral

language academylanguage centrelanguage institute

Weak

language course providerlanguage programme

Vocabulary

Antonyms

state schoolcomprehensive schoolmainstream school (in a native-language context)

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“(not typically idiomatic)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

"We have a corporate contract with a local language school for staff training."

Academic

"The data was gathered from students at three different language schools."

Everyday

"I'm looking for a good language school to improve my Spanish before my holiday."

Technical

"The language school's curriculum is based on the CEFR framework."

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

N/A – noun compound.

American English

N/A – noun compound.

adverb

British English

American English

adjective

British English

N/A – noun compound. Can be used attributively: 'language-school teacher'.

American English

N/A – noun compound. Can be used attributively: 'language-school certificate'.

Examples

By CEFR Level

I go to a language school on Tuesdays.
She learns English at a language school.

He enrolled in an intensive German course at a private language school.
The language school is in the city centre.

After researching several options, she chose a language school renowned for its communicative teaching approach.
The language school provides accommodation for its international students.

Critics argue that some language schools prioritise profitability over pedagogical quality.
The study compared the language acquisition rates of learners in immersion settings versus traditional language schools.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: SCHOOL for LANGUAGES = LANGUAGE SCHOOL. It's a compound noun where the first word specifies the type of school.

Conceptual Metaphor

EDUCATION IS A PATH (e.g., 'embarking on a course at a language school').

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid direct translation implying 'school of languages' in an abstract sense. It's a specific institution, not a scholarly field.

Common Mistakes

Using it as a plural uncountably (e.g., 'I go to language schools' to mean 'I attend language classes').
Confusing with 'school of thought' in linguistics.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Before moving to Paris for work, Mark decided to attend a local to brush up on his French.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the most specific and common meaning of 'language school'?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No. A 'language school' teaches the language itself as a subject. A school using a foreign language as the medium of instruction (e.g., an 'English-medium school') is different.
: Not typically in modern usage. A university has a 'Department of Modern Languages' or a 'Language Centre'. 'Language school' implies a more focused, often commercial, institution.
: A 'language school' is the institution/organization. A 'language course' is the specific programme of study offered, which you might take at a language school, university, or online.
: Both are used. '*At* a language school' is more common for indicating affiliation ("She teaches at a language school"). '*In*' can be used, especially when referring to a physical location ("The class is in the language school building").