10 Best Language Learning Books

By Mark Blackwood

Learning languages is one of the greatest ways to spend your free time and a new language is surely one of the best skills to acquire. But learning a new language can be very challenging too. While there are many relatively easy and fast ways to learn any language, learning languages by the textbook remains a classic. At the same time, no matter how effective a textbook might be, learning a language by the book has its considerable and unarguable drawbacks.

Why Learn Language by Textbooks?

Although very little seems to be on the textbooks’ side, there are many benefits as well, which largely depend on the type of books. As such, bilingual and adapted books appear to be a nearly perfect start for those who can read in a pursued language. As for the textbooks, they have both benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose one carefully. As such, you have to pay attention to the structure of the book, the amount of material, and whether you understand the tasks. In some cases, the textbooks are written in the studied language completely, so if you really like the textbook, you might need to find here the best translation services company to work with that book in the first place. And in order to find a great textbook quicker, here is the list of books recommended by the language specialists.

Fluent Forever: How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget It by Gabriel Wyner tells more about the process of learning a language rather than attempts to teach you one. So, starting with this one will give you an instant boost in understanding what you need to do to learn a language.

How to Learn a Foreign Language by Paul Pimsleur is a classic very well-known and respected in the world of linguistics. The textbook focuses primarily on the listening and responding part of the speech, thus, enabling you to practice a language as you learn it.

Words and Rules: The Ingredients of Language by Steven Pinker focuses primarily on verbs and how they can be learned easily using various techniques. Described as simply a gem by the New York Times, the book is a must in your library should you decide to start learning a language.

Language Myths edited by Laurie Bauer and Peter Trudgill is a great read containing 21 essays by different authors debunking various misconceptions regarding the complexity of language learning. A great read indeed if you ever hesitate to start.

How to Learn Any Language by Barry M. Farber is a wonderful encyclopedic read outlining the learning approach to nearly 25 languages. This is a great accompanying read to your main program.

Language is Music by Susanna Zaraysky is quite a popular read presenting lots of tips and tricks to learn languages having only your senses and talent in your arsenal.

How Languages are Learned by Patsy Lightbown and Nina Spada was originally intended as a handbook for language teachers. As a result, it includes some wonderful tips regarding how to study any language properly and which things to notice first.

Fluency Made Achievable by Kerstin Hammes focuses on four major language learning skills and tells you how to acquire them fast. In addition, the book contains numerous tips from educators to make your learning as smooth as possible.

How to Learn a New Language with a Used Brain by Lynn McBride describes how to learn a language in its natural habitat, i.e. in its country, and outlines the specifics of bilingual life. A great read for those who want to get to practice quicker.

Becoming Fluent: How Cognitive Science Can Help Adults Learn a Foreign Language by Richard Roberts encompasses a blend of educational and psychological practices outlining the process of learning languages in adults and provides tips on how this can be done faster.

There are many more textbooks that help you learn a language much faster; you only have to search properly. And remember, there’s no answer regarding how many languages can a person learn as there’s no limit, in fact. Any learning process depends on you, so there’s no point in hesitating or ever stopping.

Why Not Learn Language by Textbooks?

Although textbooks can be somewhat limited regarding the nature of language and its flexibility, there are always supplemental reads like those found on the list above. As you learn a new language, it’s important to not only learn all the rules and words, but it’s also extremely important to understand the learning process itself, which is unique for every language.Never hesitate to start learning, never underestimate your powers, and always go in-depth as you learn as there’s no point in missing out on anything.

About the Author:

For many years Mark Blackwood worked as a reporter and author researching new and trendy things in work, travel, self-development, and the modern lifestyle. Today, being an educator and sharing his own experiences in those areas, Mark finally feels complete. Find Mark’s next story and gain genuine knowledge about what interests you the most.

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