Patrice Leriche

Over 35 years ago, [SPI:K] co-founder Patrice Leriche established a company in London with the aim of finding a better way to teach people how to learn and speak foreign languages.

Appalled by the overwhelming failure rate for language learners, Patrice set about uncovering the skills and knowledge – the Language Code – that enables people to make more rapid progress. As an enthusiastic trainer and lifelong researcher, he tested and applied those discoveries to his own learning and is now able to speak six languages fluently.

Anthony Whyte

Anthony is a bilingual language professional with British and French roots. Fluent in both languages from an early age, he began his career teaching English and French, eventually focusing on coaching senior executives and Civil Servants in the City of London.

He co-founded a successful language school with Patrice Leriche, tailoring the teaching to the needs of City professionals.

Later, he embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, working remotely and using his language expertise while exploring Asia and beyond. Drawing upon his global experience and passion for languages, he went on to launch [SPI:K] with Patrice.

Our understanding of the way the human mind deals with languages has leapt forward in the past decades.

Scientists, especially those working in the neurosciences, were instrumental at pointing the way.

Patrice observed, practiced and honed his training skills in the languages he spoke, coaching students of all ages and from many nations and cultures.

His conclusion is simple: The Learning Ladder follows a simple code.

A language is composed of Vocabulary and Grammar.

The best teacher or method in the world cannot learn vocabulary for you, and focusing on grammar complicates matters, gets in the way of fluency as well as being tedious… When we achieve a good speaking standard, we forget about grammar rules and focus instead on fluency.

Our course gives you the tools and techniques for effective learning, alongside whatever method you are using. This allows you to succeed and get as much as possible out of your chosen course or app.

We have over 40 years’ experience in the global market place, helping all language learners in developing language fluency.

If you are a first-time learner

Our techniques will help you to progress quickly. Our course will show you how to recognise and tap into your natural ability to acquire languages. Don’t forget … you have already done this as a child! We will also point out and show you how to overcome the common hurdles that slow down or restrict your progress. As a result, you will learn faster than you ever thought possible!
If you have already tried to learn a foreign language and failed, these techniques are absolutely perfect for you.

If you are an intermediate or advanced learner

Our course will help you to progress even further and give you the skills to reach near native speaker fluency level. It will also make it easy for you to learn more languages in the future.