Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Foundation for Learning, September 18, 2008
This book starts by giving a very helpful brush-up on English grammar- something we can all use from time to time. The purpose for the brush-up is to build your new language on the tools you already know from English. The author covers the look and correct pronunciation of letters of the International Phonetic Alphabet. He answers common questions about learning a new language and offers tips for retention and use. Also included is a helpful list of over 400 of the most useful words and phrases you will need to know in the language you are learning. The book also offers a list of modern day language-learning resources like YouTube and MySpace.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Adapting to a Shrinking World, September 25, 2008
Brandon Simpson has one of the most user-friendly approaches to learning additional languages that with this book now available there is little excuse for more people not to become multilingual. The refreshing aspect about the technique he presents in LEARNING FOREIGN LANGUAGES (2nd edition) is the nod he gives to the essentials of English grammar. In this brief, wise and remedial 35 page course Simpson recaps the essentials of how English is taught and learned - a portion of the book that alone would serve students of all levels of entry as a solid foundation. And once Simpson has 'reminded' the reader of the essetials of grammar, he encourages embracing other languages - from Spanish to French to Chinese to Finnish, etc - by first setting goals for approaching new languages, goals that encourage commitment, learning tricks such as engaging in speaking with those whose mother language is the goal of the learner, and making lists of frequently asked questions, familiar phrases and words. Recognizing that the Internet is now a primary tool for learning any subject, Simpson closes his book with a listing of resources available online for guiding the new student through the pleasures of having a second (or third...) language. Simpson's writing is smart, succinct, and extremely helpful. The reader comes away from this book with the feeling that Simpson truly cares about the joys learning and of the field of linguistics! Grady Harp, September 08
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great roadmap for anyone learning a new language, September 24, 2008
"Learning Foreign Languages" by Brandon Simpson is a handy book that points you in the right direction as you make the effort to learn a foreign language. Make no mistake, it's not easy -- this is something that requires two or three hours of work per week, as Simpson says. And once you learn it, you must use your new language regularly, otherwise you'll simply forget it. This volume begins with a review of English grammar, then proceeds with an examination of verbs, motivational materials, the international phonetic alphabet, and many more details. There's a valuable and surprisingly detailed listing of online resources at many Web sites you might never have considered. This book assumes you've already chosen a new language to learn and have the commitment to get started. The material here does a good job of guiding you along your journey of absorbing that language and using it.
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