Customer Reviews

Why You Need a Foreign Language & How to Learn One: Second Edition

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

According to this book, Americans have allowed themselves to be lulled into a belief that foreign language skills are no longer necessary because "everyone in the world is learning English." In this concise volume, Trimnell examines some neglected sides of the national debate about globalization.

The first of these is that Americans have become dependent on the language skills of others. The ramifications of this dependency (especially for American businesspersons) are explained and documented in-depth.

The book includes other arguments, such as the limited proficiency of non-native English-speakers who have studied English abroad. The author also has a lot to say about globalization, and some new trends which will likely affect the status of various languages in the world.

The second half of the book is a roadmap for learning a foreign language. The information presented here is helpful for anyone new to language study.

I would have given this book five stars but for a few minor quibbles: In the scope of a 236-page book, the author explores topics as diverse as business, world governing bodies, cultural nationalism, the war on terror, and how they relate to language. The arguments mostly ring true, but the sheer scope of the thesis might be a little too vast for the format. This might have been broken down into two separate books.

Nevertheless, the author deserves kudos for approaching the issues from a truly original perspective. Trimnell also backs up his arguments with facts and data. You may or may not agree with him, but you'll have to respect his arguments.

After reading this book, I have a very good impression of Mr. Trimnell and his ideas. As you can tell by the title, he has divided the book into two sections. In the first, he makes an outstanding effort at proving why you cannot and should not rely on others to do your translating. I felt a little bit like I was listening to someone from a college debating team. First, he states the common fallacies held by Americans about languages. Next, he gives the arguments in favor of these beliefs and then he systematically destroys them one by one. It is a very effective technique which forces me to accept 99% of his concerns about America's language learning deficit.

The reason I only give it four stars has to do with the second half of the book. While I found his tips for learning a new language fairly valuable, I think other books have done a better job on this topic. (I *HIGHLY* recommend Barry Farber's book.) The "language learning" session seemed a bit out of place and I agree with the previous reviewer. I think I would have preferred the book more if Trimnell had stuck to one topic and written a second book concerning the "how to's". I think this would have allowed him to give more depth concerning such a broad subject.

I still recommend the book, however. I plan on rereading it when my language studies hit the doldrums. It will hold an honored place on my bookshelf and was WELL worth the investment.

I think this book makes an excellent case for learning a foreign language, at least from a business standpoint. The author does a good job dispelling the myth that the rest of the world speaks English- a fact I can attest to having traveled to Mexico, France, and Spain. I think anyone looking for a bit of motivation would do well to read this book.

I think the second half of the book is a little weaker than the first half, but there is still some valuable advice for the aspiring language learner. I am not convinced that learning a language to business-level standards is possible without spending at least some time in an immersion environment, and I think that point is somewhat overlooked in the text.

The book is a good read for anyone thinking about starting to study a language; it gives a bunch of very handy information about different languages, the pros and cons of each, the cultures attached to them, and how foreign language learning is increasingly essential, giving beginners a very handy overview of what they're getting into.

However, aside from a few various sections which relate to any specific language, current foreign language students will find this book rather unhelpful.