Learning a language can be a daunting process. Should you self-study? Take a course? Buy a software program? Hire a private tutor? What kinds of learning systems are available and which might be right for you? How about the myriad online resources available? And, very importantly, where should you begin? Oh, by the way, how long will all this effort take anyway? You will find the answers to these questions in this short but thorough guide to learning a foreign language. Author Jeff Blum has taught English and studied four languages (Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese and Thai), but he still struggles just as anyone must when learning a language. Jeff did extensive research on all aspects of language learning in an effort to improve his own efforts and he has carefully curated that research into this guide to help you with your efforts as well. In the book you will find: 1. A look at the systems and techniques advocated by various language learning experts and sites. 2. A consideration of personal factors in learning a language (motivation, personality, goals, etc.). 3. A discussion of the 8 language learning blocks with recommended resources for tackling each. 4. An overview of the most popular language learning products on the market (Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur, etc.). 5. A comprehensive set of resources to aid you with whatever approach to study you pursue. Whether you are young or old, beginner or advanced, studying your first foreign language or your fifth, there is something for you in this book. If you are a language teacher, this book might help you better understand what your students are up against while giving you ideas and extra resources to aid your teaching efforts.
"How to Learn a Foreign Language: A Practical Guide with Tips" is an essential resource for anyone seeking to master a new language. This comprehensive guide offers practical advice and proven strategies for language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. The book starts with an exploration of common beliefs about language learning and how to change negative beliefs into positive ones. It then provides an in-depth look at the best practices for learning a foreign language, including tips for building vocabulary, reading and writing, grammar, and more. With chapters dedicated to the Kaizen method, total immersion, and finding pleasure in the learning process, readers will find a wealth of useful information to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their language learning goals. The book also includes a curated list of YouTube channels to aid in language learning and developing a daily reading habit. Written in an accessible style, "How to Learn a Foreign Language: A Practical Guide with Tips" is a must-read for anyone serious about learning a new language. Whether you're a student, a traveler, or simply someone interested in expanding your cultural horizons, this book will provide you with the tools and inspiration to succeed.
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • For anyone who wants to learn a foreign language, this is the method that will finally make the words stick. “A brilliant and thoroughly modern guide to learning new languages.”—Gary Marcus, cognitive psychologist and author of the New York Times bestseller Guitar Zero At thirty years old, Gabriel Wyner speaks six languages fluently. He didn’t learn them in school—who does? Rather, he learned them in the past few years, working on his own and practicing on the subway, using simple techniques and free online resources—and here he wants to show others what he’s discovered. Starting with pronunciation, you’ll learn how to rewire your ears and turn foreign sounds into familiar sounds. You’ll retrain your tongue to produce those sounds accurately, using tricks from opera singers and actors. Next, you’ll begin to tackle words, and connect sounds and spellings to imagery rather than translations, which will enable you to think in a foreign language. And with the help of sophisticated spaced-repetition techniques, you’ll be able to memorize hundreds of words a month in minutes every day. This is brain hacking at its most exciting, taking what we know about neuroscience and linguistics and using it to create the most efficient and enjoyable way to learn a foreign language in the spare minutes of your day.
Don't you believe you can learn a foreign language without classes? Well, maybe not 20 years ago. It's now rather easy to find affordable or even free materials for studying a foreign language independently. Finding someone to practice with has also become much easier than it used to be. This book will enable you to: - teach yourself a language from scratch to a functional level anywhere and anytime you want;- choose the best learning materials for yourself; - enhance your language skills once you have a solid foundation; - stay motivated and persistent; - revive your confidence in your language and learning abilities; - make vocabulary stick, and turn the infamous enemy called grammar into an ally; - get the most out of a leisure trip abroad. The above are discussed with an emphasis on learning the Spanish language. However, the majority of the recommendations should apply to self-learners of other languages as well.
People think that learning a new foreign language is tough, but instead the secret is not intelligence but interest, determination, and discipline. That said, having a strategic learning program, a good curriculum, and resources to study. Most importantly the style of study skills. The strategic language-study guide! For those who have given up learning a foreign language, due to the intricacy of language courses, here is support for learning a new language. With this guide, those who have been discouraged by the complexity of language courses can now learn a new language with confidence! Mohd Mursalin is thirty years old and speaks 4 languages fluently. Despite his busy schedule, he took night classes. That didn't work for him either. Instead, he started learning by himself. In order for him to learn the language, he needed language resource books. He ventured into bookshops and bought some books that would help him improve his vocabulary. Using simple techniques and free online resources. Not to mention speaking with the locals. He spent hours reading these books, and looking up words he didn't understand, thereby gradually expanding his knowledge and deepening his understanding of the language. There had never been any translation of phrases in the university, the student has to challenge himself by searching for meanings in the dictionary. And a dictionary is a great tool. The keyword is you need reference books and education resources to improve your vocabulary, memory improvement, and study skills. In Zero Foreign Language Mohd Mursalin reveals his secrets and techniques for language learning. His innovative strategies and easy-to-follow instructions are sure to help others experience his success in learning a language quickly and effectively. The author cites examples of learning Arabic language, and techniques of mastering other foreign languages. The principles are similar, but it is important to know that language has unique grammar rules which you need to adhere. The greatest challenge to learning a foreign language is that acquiring another foreign language is not easy, especially when the people in your country do not converse in that language. The media, the people you meet do not speak and use that language. But learning a foreign language is like being an unsung hero. Learning to speak another language is tremendous. You open a newspaper or book in a foreign language. Suddenly, in front of your eyes the language translated in your Brain, and you know the meaning of a phrase without any translation. It is exciting to study a new foreign language in your spare time, and at your own pace. You will learn: 1-Motivation and inspiration 2-Strategic plan for study purpose 3-setting goals to accomplish your foreign language course 4-Tips to start learning Arabic and fundamental study skills 4-Memory skills to memorize new words. and more...
Language is Music focuses on making learning foreign languages fun, easy and affordable for anyone with a desire to communicate effectively with people around the world. By applying over 100 simple tips to things you already do, such as listening to music or surfing the Web, you can experience the joy of "fluency" in any language without having to study abroad or spend money on private tutors. In Language is Music, Susanna Zaraysky masterfully shares her listening methods so that anyone can have fun learning any language. With over 100 tips and 100 free or low-cost Internet resources, you will learn how to use daily activities, such as watching T.V. or listening to music; conversation partners; and attendance at cultural events to become a masterful speaker of any tongue. "Learning foreign languages is like learning to sing a song or play music," says self-made linguist Susanna Zaraysky and author of Language is Music. Zaraysky has what you might call "an ear" for languages, having used music to successfully learn English, Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Serbo-Croatian-all with excellent accents. Advance Praise for Language is Music "I love it! I think it will help people who want to learn, and those who are curious about additional language learning. Many people want to learn a language but are frightened, or disappointed by the courses they have taken. Reading Language is Music will encourage them to try again, on their own and with friendly supporters." -Dr. Elba Maldonado-Colon, Professor Department of Elementary Education Bilingual Program, San Jose State University LET IT JUST ROLL OFF YOUR TONGUE. With lyrical insight and solid experience, Susanna Zaraysky, author of Language is Music, provides easy steps for learning a language. Gone are the boring, disconnected strategies that most of us remember from school. You've never learned a language this quickly and easily. Zaraysky's methods embody fun, connection, rhythm, and above all...music. -Suzanne Lettrick, M.Ed Educator and Founder of The Global Education and Action Network "Forget dictionaries and phrase books . . . Susanna Zaraysky's easy-to-use guide to language learning is indispensable for any serious language learner wanting to become fluent--not just conversationally proficient--in another language. Language is Music will teach you how to make language acquisition a part of your daily life, and to recreate the kind of total-immersion environment necessary for fluency. Highly recommended reading for aspiring polyglots. Pick up this book and you too will be all ears!" -Justin Liang, Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Marshallese, intermediate Spanish Back in France, I spent many years learning "academic" English in school. But I progressed much faster when I forced myself to listen to the BBC or not look at the subtitles when watching an American movie. I wish I had Susanna's book with me then. It's full of creative ideas and practical tips that are indispensable complements to the traditional methods of learning foreign languages -- and it's coming from someone you can trust, she speaks so many of them! -Philippe Levy, French native speaker This book is great. It showed me another aspect and a new approach of learning a language. I will put the book to good use. As a foreign English speaker, I spent many years at school learning English and did not make much progress. A lot of the tips that I read in this book, I learned them with time. However if I had read this book earlier, it would have made my life much easier and I would have saved so much time. I am going to apply the tips in Language is Music into learning a third language: Spanish. This time, I am sure I will make huge progress much faster. Not only is Language is Music useful in acquiring a foreign language, but the resources and websites in the book are valuable for someone who wants to travel abroad. -Fabien Hsu, French native speaker
This book is a summary of everything needed to begin learning a foreign language, including the first steps to take, available resources, and how new languages can change your life. Within these pages there are practical methods and personal experiences to help guide you in language learning journey. In addition to finding various learning tools, there are anecdotes about how languages can affect your mind and perspective on the world. 1)How do you begin learning a foreign language?2)What are resources that language learners use?3)What can you gain from learning a new language?If you answered yes to any of these questions then this book is for you... 50 Things to Know About Learning A Foreign Language by Megan Orthmann offers an approach to learning any foreign language with tips and tricks to succeed. Most books on language learning tell you to take formal classes, study verb charts, and spend years memorizing verb lists. Although there's nothing wrong with those approaches, there is never a single way to learn a new skill. Learning a language is much easier and more relaxed than it appears. Many people believe that in order to learn any language you must be just, "good at learning languages." So many people believe they are not someone with this natural ability. Everyone, no matter your strengths, weaknesses, age, or financial situation, can learn a language. In these pages you'll discover language learning methods, helpful advice, and everything you need to know about the learning process. This book will help you to begin your journey by picking a language you will enjoy, teach you how to gain confidence and skills, and use the language to your best ability with native and experienced speakers. There is more to language learning than memorizing words and verbs, see for yourself how much perspective learning a new language can give you. By the time you finish this book, you will know how to begin learning any languages and the mental and physical tools to do it! So, grab YOUR copy today. You'll be glad you did.
On Being a Language Teacher provides an innovative, personal approach to second-language teaching. Through illustrative personal anecdotes, this text guides new and aspiring language teachers through key pedagogical strategies while encouraging productive reflection by classroom veterans. An ancillary website provides online videos to complement the text by showing an experienced teacher applying the book’s lessons. In a market dominated by dense theoretical approaches to language pedagogy, this text provides an instantly accessible, practical set of teaching tools for educators at all levels. Its accessible style and affordability give it the flexibility to serve as either a primary or a supplemental text for teaching assistants, students in credential programs, or undergraduates in applied linguistics courses.
Learning a foreign language isn't like turning on a light switch. It's like decorating your Christmas tree; it will never be perfect. This is my motto when learning foreign languages. Speaking a new language well requires a lot of time and work. But you will probably never speak absolutely perfectly. This book is a guide to help you learn your new language. In it you will learn: English Grammar Foreign Grammatical Structures The International Phonetic Alphabet Necessary Tools for Learning another Language Language Learning Tips And Answers to many Questions
If you want to learn any foreign language quickly and easily, then check out this "How To Learn a Foreign Language" step-by-step guide. In this step-by-step guide, you will discover secrets on how to speak a foreign language very quickly and easily. - How to learn any foreign language much faster than before. - Impress your friends with your newfound ability to speak multiple languages. - Speak multiple languages. - Become the multi-cultural kind of person that you always wanted to be. - Instantly fit in with people from different countries. - How to use the media to learn a foreign language. - How to learn a foreign language at the comfort of your own home. - Flash card techniques to improve your foreign language speaking skills. - Tips on how to have more fun learning a new language. - And much more. HowExpert publishes quick 'how to' guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.