The Loom of Language


Book Description

Here is an informative introduction to language: its origins in the past, its growth through history, and its present use for communication between peoples. It is at the same time a history of language, a guide to foreign tongues, and a method for learning them. It shows, through basic vocabularies, family resemblances of languages -- Teutonic, Romance, Greek -- helpful tricks of translation, key combinations of roots and phonetic patterns. It presents by common-sense methods the most helpful approach to the mastery of many languages; it condenses vocabulary to a minimum of essential words; it simplifies grammar in an entirely new way; and it teaches a language as it is actually used in everyday life.




Fluent Forever


Book Description

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.




Learning How to Learn


Book Description

A surprisingly simple way for students to master any subject--based on one of the world's most popular online courses and the bestselling book A Mind for Numbers A Mind for Numbers and its wildly popular online companion course "Learning How to Learn" have empowered more than two million learners of all ages from around the world to master subjects that they once struggled with. Fans often wish they'd discovered these learning strategies earlier and ask how they can help their kids master these skills as well. Now in this new book for kids and teens, the authors reveal how to make the most of time spent studying. We all have the tools to learn what might not seem to come naturally to us at first--the secret is to understand how the brain works so we can unlock its power. This book explains: Why sometimes letting your mind wander is an important part of the learning process How to avoid "rut think" in order to think outside the box Why having a poor memory can be a good thing The value of metaphors in developing understanding A simple, yet powerful, way to stop procrastinating Filled with illustrations, application questions, and exercises, this book makes learning easy and fun.




Language Learning in Study Abroad


Book Description

This book addresses the multilingual reality of study abroad across a variety of national contexts and target languages. The chapters examine multilingual socialization and translanguaging; how the target language is entwined in global, local and historical contexts; and how students use local and global varieties of English.




Learning to Study in English


Book Description

A comprehensive course for intermediate and lower intermediate students who need to improve their study skills for college, polytechnic and university courses where the medium of instruction is English.




The International Student′s Guide


Book Description

This book is intended for students from all language backgrounds other than English, attending or preparing to attend a university where the medium of instruction is English, particularly in the UK. The International Student′s Guide helps you succeed at university, by sharing the experiences of many international students who have already attended a university in the UK. Every student is unique, with different abilities and needs. With this in mind, the authors provide you with practical information and help on a range of aspects of study. They focus on both spoken and written forms of communication, and deal with the approaches to thinking and learning which you will meet in higher education in the UK system. Written by experienced lecturers in language and learning, the book offers a wealth of advice and guidance on topics such as: ways of learning how to make the most of your own strengths working in seminars and groups writing in different forms, disciplines and at different levels assessment techniques such as exams and oral presentations. Whether you are embarking on a pre-degree foundation course or a postgraduate programme, this book will help you manage all the challenging aspects of studying through the medium of another language, in a new and different environment. This book is for students studying at any level in English on Foundation courses, on degree programmes, undergraduate or postgraduate, or on pre-masters programmes. It could be used in EAP classes and on summer courses and pre-entry programmes or for self study. It could also be used for staff-development purposes with lecturers teaching students from different language backgrounds. It is assumed that the reader already has a grasp of English at least equivalent to IELTS 4.5 or 5 or TOEFL 450-500 (130-170 on the computerised test). SAGE Study Skills are essential study guides for students of all levels. From how to write great essays and succeeding at university, to writing your undergraduate dissertation and doing postgraduate research, SAGE Study Skills help you get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!




The Way of the Linguist


Book Description

The Way of The Linguist, A language learning odyssey. It is now a cliché that the world is a smaller place. We think nothing of jumping on a plane to travel to another country or continent. The most exotic locations are now destinations for mass tourism. Small business people are dealing across frontiers and language barriers like never before. The Internet brings different languages and cultures to our finger-tips. English, the hybrid language of an island at the western extremity of Europe seems to have an unrivalled position as an international medium of communication. But historically periods of cultural and economic domination have never lasted forever. Do we not lose something by relying on the wide spread use of English rather than discovering other languages and cultures? As citizens of this shrunken world, would we not be better off if we were able to speak a few languages other than our own? The answer is obviously yes. Certainly Steve Kaufmann thinks so, and in his busy life as a diplomat and businessman he managed to learn to speak nine languages fluently and observe first hand some of the dominant cultures of Europe and Asia. Why do not more people do the same? In his book The Way of The Linguist, A language learning odyssey, Steve offers some answers. Steve feels anyone can learn a language if they want to. He points out some of the obstacles that hold people back. Drawing on his adventures in Europe and Asia, as a student and businessman, he describes the rewards that come from knowing languages. He relates his evolution as a language learner, abroad and back in his native Canada and explains the kind of attitude that will enable others to achieve second language fluency. Many people have taken on the challenge of language learning but have been frustrated by their lack of success. This book offers detailed advice on the kind of study practices that will achieve language breakthroughs. Steve has developed a language learning system available online at: www.thelinguist.com.




How to Speak Any Language Fluently


Book Description

This book will give you the skills to learn to speak any language with confidence. It uses techniques that can easily be incorporated into your daily life, while making use of whatever resources you have available. Whether you are starting out with your first foreign language or wishing to add to your repetoire, you'll find a wealth of easy-to-follow advice and achievable goals. Discover how to: -Speak with greater confidence and accuracy -Effectively learn vocabulary and grammar -Use time on the internet and social media to learn a language -Read real books, websites and articles in a foreign language -Pass exams that certify your language skills




English Grammar for Students of French


Book Description

"From the Publisher: Need help learning French? Is grammar a problem? Thousands of students like you have found the solution in the clear, simple text of English Grammar for Students of French. This easy-to-use handbook is specifically designed to teach you the English grammar you need in order to learn French grammar more quickly and efficiently. Look at the features of what you'll find in a typical section: an explanation of a concept as it applies to English; a presentation of the same concept as it applies to French; the similarities and differences between the two languages, stressing common pitfalls for English speakers; step-by-step instructions on how to select the correct form; review exercises with answer key."--Google Books viewed July 29, 2021.




English for Everyone: Level 1: Beginner, Course Book


Book Description

Our Course Book (Level 1) is a great reference guide to introduce English for beginners including key language skills, grammar, and vocabulary. Ideal for English test preparations or ESL lesson plans, the Course Book uses visual teaching methods to introduce the English language, reinforced through a variety of exercises and examples when used alongside our Practice Book (Level 1). From introducing yourself and talking about your home, city, and hobbies to expanding your vocabulary and understanding grammar rules, this is a completely comprehensive introduction to learning English. Whether you are looking for ESL teaching materials, or a structured program for adults to learn English as a second language, the English for Everyone Course Books provide: - Sample language examples: New language topics are introduced in context using clear, illustrated, and color-coded explanations - Supporting audio: Extensive English-speaking audio materials integrated into every unit, giving vital oral and listening practice. (All supplementary audio is available on the DK English for Everyone website and IOS/Android App). - Sentence formation guides: Visual break downs of English grammar, showing learners how to recreate even complex English sentences - Visual English vocabulary cues: Lists of useful English words and common phrases with visual aids are available throughout the book - Personalized learning: Write-on lines encourage ESL learners to write their own prompts and translations where needed to help customize English language learning The English for Everyone Level 1 resources cover the skills and topics required for all major global English-language exams and reference frameworks including: - CEFR: A1 - TOEFL (test paper): 0-250 - TOEFL (computer-based test): 0-30 - TOEFL (online test): 0-10 - IELTS: 0-2.5 - TOEIC: 0-200 English for Everyone is a series of guides and practice books that supports English learning for adults from a beginner level, to intermediate, and advanced practical English. Offering an easy-to-follow format that offers guidance for both teaching English as a second or foreign language, and a self-study approach with resources available to improve English speaking, reading, and writing.