Learn a Language Your Own Way
Acquire proficiency in a foreign language using effective and efficient self study techniques.
by
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This book describes the importance of languages, as they exist in our world today. It discusses the similarities of languages, the percent of global population speaking a native language, which languages are being studied, and the benefits of learning other languages on a personal and professional level.
The main focus of this book, however, is to present a variety of study methods to the beginning student of a foreign language. Several learning methods are discussed detailing the advantages and disadvantages of each.
I believe that the field of foreign language study should be available to anyone with the interest and determination to study same. An individual should not be limited by time or financial constraints in his or her goal to achieve a fluency in a foreign language. That is why this book was written.
During an extended unemployment period, I decided to occupy my time learning languages. Being unemployed, I had plenty of time (even though I still did not want it too consume too much of my day) to study and practice a new language, however, I had very little money; so, I had to find sources of inexpensive study materials and create new and unique ways of using them to minimize the expenditure of time and money on my new hobby. I have used the techniques described in this book to teach myself French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese all without expending an excessive amount of time and money and you can too.
Using the training methodology described in this book, the only equipment that is required to start learning a foreign language is ready-made language learning audio and software tools, a portable tape recorder, an audio cable, and a personal computer. A majority of the audio and software learning tools are readily available for check-out at your local public library or available for purchase at your nearest bookstore. A good basic level introduction to a language may be purchased for as little as $7.00.
As an opening for this topic, the personal and professional benefits of learning a language are presented. This section explains the benefits that you can expect to achieve toward personal enrichment and professional advancement possibilities as you gain knowledge and ability in a second (or more) language. Also discussed in this section is how the benefits of knowing the customs, beliefs and traditions of different cultures will expand your horizons and present new experiences for the individual.
Next, the question of ‘what language should I study?’ is considered. This section presents statistics for a variety of languages currently being spoken by native persons in quantity, as well as a percentage of global population. Also presented in this section are sample listings of what countries a particular language is most widely spoken in, the most commonly studied languages being learned as a second language, and official languages established for international and regional institutions.
Then, the advantages and disadvantages of how a language may be learned are presented. This topic covers the effectiveness of learning a language by being a child of multilingual parents, living in a foreign country, private and correspondence schools and self-study.
The basic four language skills understanding, speaking, reading and writing are then analyzed in detail separately. Each section describes the benefit of learning each skill along with presenting helpful hints to aid you in developing each skill.
A description of the “quickie” courses is then explained. This section describes the content, training method, and effectiveness of the “quickie” courses along with its benefits and disadvantages to the student.
For those who wish to study a language all by themselves, the next two chapters will be of utmost importance to you. These chapters explain the benefits and possible pitfalls of studying a language in an active or passive study approach. Each chapter describes examples of study materials that may be used for each technique of study.
The next chapter describes the importance of creating copies of your audio study material. This section also includes recording tricks that may be used on pre-existing language learning audio programs and computer software to create a customized language-learning tool for personal use.
For those individuals whom insist upon a structured plan to language learning the next chapter presents a suggested study program. Each phase of the suggested program is clearly defined and allows the individual to progress and advance at his own rate. By following each stage of the course, the student advances from memorizing basic vocabulary, to building and improving sentence building skills, to conversational level speech and comprehension.
The next chapter illustrates the value of being evaluated by a language professional on your ability to use a foreign language.
Formats Book Details Learn a Language Your Way Have you ever considered learning a foreign language? Are you interested in learning a foreign language, but unsure as to which language to study? Are you afraid that foreign language study may be too costly and time consuming? This book presents the reader with a basic background in languages, the benefits of being a multilingual speaker, the introduction of fairly inexpensive language learning tools, and the value of a professional proficiency exam. So whether your interest in learning a second language lies in personal or business reasons, you will find a wealth of useful information inside that you can use to learn a foreign language regardless of your motivation, time schedule, or budget. Michael A. Stelzer is a Certified Electronics Technician with a Masters’ Degree in Electrical Engineering and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. During his enlistment in the military, he has visited several foreign ports. He began studying languages in his spare time as a hobby to better communicate with the locals. Currently, he holds speaking proficiency ratings in French, German, and Mandarin Chinese. He continues to use the principles outlined in this book to acquire proficiency in new languages while expending a minimum amount of time and money.
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