Rockhampton-area residents have been encouraged to take advantage of a new range of Wednesday evening classes in Spanish, French, Mandarin and Japanese.

Korean, Indonesian, Italian and German may also be offered if there are sufficient numbers.

Rockhampton Regional Development CEO Margaret Goody said communities with diverse language capabilities were more attractive to tourists, immigrants, students, employees and businesses.

Ms Goody said the social and cultural benefits of a diverse language mix were also useful for community development.

CQU Language Centre is offering the evening classes from Wednesday, July 16, onwards. The French classes are being offered in partnership with the Central Queensland Alliance Francaise.

To gain information on the French classes, please contact Carol Gistitin after hours on 4926 1680. For information on Spanish, Mandarin or Japanese classes, please contact Dee-Anne Emblem at CQU's Language Centre on 4930 6422.

Language Centre spokesperson Paulo Vieira said languages could open up a world of opportunities for employment, travel and cultural enrichment.

“While English is the world language, too much complacency on the part of native English speakers doesn't do us any favours. Sometimes even a smattering of another language will help to forge a friendship or impress a potential client overseas. Give it a go ... it is also great fun,” Mr Vieira said.