Free Course on Critical Language Awareness
Claudi is not a traditional teacher. The small mascot appears from the very beginning of the Critical Language Awareness in Action: Change the World One Story at a Time free course, available from May 25, 2026, on FutureLearn. Claudi is a friendly companion in this journey, guiding us through political, sustainability, social media content and everyday conversations that often seem harmless at first glance. But above all, Claudi introduces an idea that feels increasingly urgent today: words are never neutral.
In a time when headlines influence elections, social media frames public opinion and the way we perceive life, and corporations carefully design sustainability narratives, understanding how language works has become more important than ever. It is not just about what is said, but how messaging works to shape understanding.
Understanding this difference is essential, and during this free online course offered by the CLADES team at the University of Groningen, participants will look beyond words and examine the power structures hidden within everyday communication.
First, what is critical language awarness?
Critical Language Awareness (CLA) is an approach that helps people understand how language influences society, power, and human behaviour. It is an invitation to critically examine media, institutional discourse, political communication, and even everyday expressions that may reinforce stereotypes, inequalities, or misleading narratives. Rather than focusing only on grammar or vocabulary, CLA asks a deeper question:
How do words shape the world around us?
This course tries to help us answer this question.
Exploring how grammar, framing, metaphors and narrative choices shape the way societies understand reality. I this way, the programme encourages everyone to question not only what is being said, but also who benefits from particular ways of speaking.
What does the course involve?
The course is divided into three weeks, each focusing on a different theme.
The first week introduces the foundations of CLA and examines how certain words and expressions influence the way we see the world.
The second week focuses on media discourse, sustainability communication, and public narratives. Participants analyse political headlines, corporate sustainability messages, and examples of greenwashing.
The third week moves from analysis to action. Learners are encouraged not only to identify problematic narratives, but also to create alternative forms of communication that are clearer, more ethical, and socially responsible.
Throughout the course, Claudi appears with interactive activities, short reflections, assigment and practical examples that make complex ideas feel accessible and engaging.
Image: Pyramid of Critical Language Awareness (CLA) Pedagogy. CLADES project.
Why is this course relevant for everyone?
“Because language is everywhere!” say Joanna Chojnicka and Erika Darics, the educators responsible for developing the course content, together with a member of the CLADES project team.
Language is around us. In a news headline. In a political speech. In a sustainability report. In the way companies apologise after a crisis. In the words used to describe migration, climate change, gender, or poverty.
The course becomes particularly relevant in an era shaped by misinformation, algorithmic communication, and polarised debates. It reminds participants that communication is never just about transmitting information. It is also about shaping perception, assigning responsibility, and influencing behaviour.
For students, educators, policymakers, communicators, journalists, practitioners, and anyone navigating digital media daily, learning to critically analyse language is no longer a niche academic skill. It is becoming a civic necessity. An individual and collective responsibility.
Picture from left to right: front: Erika Darics, Julie Tipsmark Matsuzawa, Letizia Prostamo, Matt Drury; back: Bianca Andrei, Joanna Chojnicka, Timo Boom.
How can you join?
The course is fully online, free to access, and requires around three hours of study per week.
Joining is simple:
- Go to FutureLearn’s website
- Create an account if you do not already have one
- Search for Critical Language Awareness in Action
- Or directly access the course here:
Critical Language Awareness in Action course page
And that is it!
Sometimes, changing the way we communicate starts by learning to notice the words we usually overlook.
