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How to Learn a Foreign Language

How to Learn a Foreign Language

by Graham E. Fuller 1987 102 pages
3.42
100+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Language learning is a unique and rewarding challenge

Learning any language involves a lot of hard work. True, some languages are easier than others for English speakers. But any foreign language is going to require using a whole range of different skills that you may never have thought about before.

Unique skillset. Language learning demands a combination of cognitive, auditory, and social skills that are distinct from other academic pursuits. It requires dedication, consistent practice, and a willingness to make mistakes. Unlike subjects with clear right or wrong answers, language proficiency develops gradually through exposure and use.

Rewarding outcomes. The benefits of learning a foreign language extend far beyond simple communication:

  • Expanded cultural understanding
  • Enhanced career opportunities
  • Improved cognitive function
  • Personal growth and self-confidence
  • Ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds

2. Embrace new sounds and pronunciation techniques

You think you know how to talk? Sure you do, but only in a limited way. You know one way to talk, but there are dozens of different ways to make sounds that you never thought of.

Phonetic flexibility. Each language has its unique set of sounds, some of which may not exist in your native tongue. Developing the ability to produce these new sounds requires:

  • Physical training of your mouth, tongue, and vocal cords
  • Active listening and mimicry of native speakers
  • Overcoming self-consciousness and embracing mistakes

Techniques for improvement:

  • Use a mirror to observe mouth and tongue positions
  • Record yourself and compare to native speakers
  • Practice exaggerated pronunciation to build muscle memory
  • Utilize language-specific pronunciation guides and resources

3. Understand language families and word relationships

Languages that are close to our own tend to be easier and more familiar, both the grammar as well as the vocabulary. But what does "close" mean? What we are actually talking about here is the matter of language families—an important part of understanding what languages are all about.

Language family insight. Understanding language families can accelerate your learning process:

  • Recognize shared roots and cognates
  • Anticipate grammatical similarities
  • Leverage knowledge from related languages you may already know

Word relationship strategies:

  • Look for cognates (words with shared origins)
  • Identify common prefixes, suffixes, and root words
  • Create mnemonic devices based on familiar words or concepts
  • Study the historical development of languages to understand word evolution

4. Master grammar through patterns, not rote memorization

Grammar is essential because it tells us precisely what the relationship is among words.

Pattern recognition. Effective grammar learning focuses on understanding underlying structures rather than memorizing endless rules:

  • Identify recurring patterns in sentence construction
  • Practice with example sentences to internalize structures
  • Focus on how grammar conveys meaning, not just correctness

Practical application:

  • Use authentic materials (news articles, songs, dialogues) to observe grammar in context
  • Create your own sentences using newly learned structures
  • Engage in conversations to practice applying grammatical concepts in real-time
  • Analyze mistakes as learning opportunities, not failures

5. Develop effective vocabulary acquisition strategies

Home-made word cards are an excellent technique for memorizing vocabulary.

Active learning methods. Vocabulary acquisition is most effective when it's personalized and engaging:

  • Create flashcards with context, images, or personal associations
  • Group words by theme, usage, or grammatical function
  • Use spaced repetition systems to optimize review intervals
  • Incorporate new words into speaking and writing practice immediately

Contextual learning:

  • Read extensively in your target language at an appropriate level
  • Watch movies or TV shows with subtitles in the target language
  • Listen to podcasts or music to pick up colloquial expressions
  • Engage in topic-specific conversations to reinforce subject-related vocabulary

6. Immerse yourself in the language and culture

Go someplace where you can hear the language being spoken, like a foreign grocery store. Try to pick out some words and phrases that sound familiar to you.

Cultural integration. Language and culture are inseparable; immersing yourself enhances both linguistic and cultural fluency:

  • Attend cultural events or join language exchange groups
  • Cook recipes in the target language
  • Follow social media accounts or YouTube channels in the language
  • Listen to radio broadcasts or podcasts for native-speed input

Create immersion opportunities:

  • Change your phone or computer settings to the target language
  • Label items in your home with their foreign language names
  • Keep a journal in the target language
  • Find a language partner for regular conversation practice

7. Overcome plateaus with varied learning approaches

Sooner or later you'll reach a plateau. Don't be discouraged. Time will help you.

Diversify methods. Plateaus are normal in language learning. Combat them by:

  • Exploring new learning resources (textbooks, apps, websites)
  • Challenging yourself with more advanced materials
  • Focusing on a specific skill (listening, speaking, reading, writing) for a period
  • Setting short-term, achievable goals to maintain motivation

Practical strategies:

  • Join a study group or language club for peer motivation
  • Teach what you know to solidify your understanding
  • Take a standardized language test to assess progress and identify areas for improvement
  • Travel to a country where the language is spoken, if possible

8. Set realistic goals and measure progress

How far you go depends on your own goals. To be honest with you, it takes years of study to become totally fluent and proficient in a foreign language. The good news is that you don't have to become fluent to start making yourself understood in a foreign language.

Goal-setting framework. Establish clear, achievable objectives:

  • Short-term goals (weekly or monthly targets)
  • Medium-term goals (proficiency levels or specific skills)
  • Long-term goals (fluency or professional use of the language)

Progress tracking:

  • Keep a language learning journal to document your journey
  • Use language proficiency scales (e.g., CEFR) to benchmark your level
  • Record yourself periodically to hear improvement over time
  • Celebrate small victories and milestones along the way

Remember that language learning is a lifelong journey. Embrace the process, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the cultural and personal growth that comes with acquiring a new language.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "How to Learn a Foreign Language" by Graham E. Fuller about?

  • Purpose of the book: The book is a guide for those who have never studied a foreign language or have had a challenging experience with it before. It aims to provide tips and insights to make the learning process easier and more enjoyable.
  • Author's experience: Graham E. Fuller shares his extensive experience in learning over a dozen languages, offering practical advice and strategies that he has found effective.
  • Learning approach: The book emphasizes understanding how languages work and how to approach the unique challenge of learning a foreign language, making it different from other types of study.

Why should I read "How to Learn a Foreign Language"?

  • Overcoming fears: The book addresses common fears and attitudes that hinder language learning, particularly for Americans who are often monolingual.
  • Practical advice: It is packed with practical advice and tips that can save beginners hours of confusion and build confidence in their ability to learn a language.
  • Fun and engaging: Fuller presents language learning as a fun and engaging process, encouraging readers to enjoy the journey and not just focus on the end goal.

What are the key takeaways of "How to Learn a Foreign Language"?

  • Language families: Understanding language families can make learning easier by recognizing similarities in grammar and vocabulary.
  • Memory techniques: The book emphasizes using memory tricks and associations to help remember vocabulary and grammar rules.
  • Practice and repetition: Consistent practice, including using a tape recorder and engaging with native speakers, is crucial for language acquisition.

How does Graham E. Fuller suggest using a tape recorder in language learning?

  • Listening and repeating: Fuller advises using a tape recorder to listen to lessons repeatedly and practice speaking by repeating sentences out loud.
  • Training the ear: Listening to recordings helps train the ear to recognize and understand the sounds and intonations of the new language.
  • Self-assessment: Recording oneself and comparing it to native speakers can help identify areas for improvement in pronunciation and fluency.

What are the best quotes from "How to Learn a Foreign Language" and what do they mean?

  • "Learning a foreign language is like anything else in this world. If you are interested in accomplishing your goal, and if you devote a fair amount of attention to it, you'll succeed." This quote emphasizes the importance of dedication and interest in achieving language learning success.
  • "Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it will certainly help you in languages." Fuller highlights the role of curiosity in exploring and understanding new languages and cultures.
  • "A language is like an ocean: it seems to go on forever." This metaphor illustrates the vastness and depth of language learning, encouraging learners to embrace the journey.

How does "How to Learn a Foreign Language" address grammar learning?

  • Grammar as a skeleton: Fuller describes grammar as the skeleton of a language, essential for holding words together and conveying meaning accurately.
  • Learning through patterns: The book suggests learning grammar through pattern recognition and repetition, similar to how children learn their native language.
  • Practical application: Understanding grammar rules helps learners manipulate language to express themselves clearly and accurately.

What memory techniques does Graham E. Fuller recommend for vocabulary learning?

  • Word associations: Fuller advises creating associations between new words and familiar concepts or sounds to aid memory retention.
  • Word cards: Using word cards with the foreign word on one side and the English translation on the other helps reinforce vocabulary through active recall.
  • Repetition and speed: Practicing vocabulary quickly and repeatedly helps build automatic language reflexes, making recall more efficient.

How does "How to Learn a Foreign Language" suggest dealing with plateaus in language learning?

  • Recognizing plateaus: Fuller acknowledges that learners will experience plateaus where progress seems to stall, but these are natural parts of the learning process.
  • Consolidating knowledge: During plateaus, learners should focus on consolidating what they have already learned and practicing it in different contexts.
  • Engaging with culture: Exploring cultural aspects, such as films, music, and books, can reignite interest and motivation to move past plateaus.

What role do language families play in "How to Learn a Foreign Language"?

  • Understanding relationships: Language families help learners understand the relationships between languages, making it easier to recognize similarities in grammar and vocabulary.
  • Easier learning: Knowing a language from the same family as the target language can make learning easier due to shared roots and structures.
  • Spotting connections: Fuller encourages learners to spot connections between languages, using them as memory aids for vocabulary and grammar.

How does Graham E. Fuller suggest learners approach pronunciation?

  • Imitating sounds: Fuller emphasizes the importance of imitating native speakers' sounds and intonations to develop an authentic accent.
  • Exaggeration: He advises learners to exaggerate sounds when practicing to better grasp the nuances of pronunciation.
  • Using a mirror: Watching oneself in a mirror while practicing can help learners adjust their mouth and tongue positions for accurate pronunciation.

What are the challenges of learning a language alone, according to "How to Learn a Foreign Language"?

  • Maintaining motivation: Without a teacher, learners must find ways to stay motivated, such as engaging with cultural materials and setting personal goals.
  • Finding resources: Access to quality language materials, such as textbooks and tapes, is crucial for independent learners.
  • Seeking native speakers: Establishing contact with native speakers can provide valuable practice and cultural insights, enhancing the learning experience.

How does "How to Learn a Foreign Language" suggest learners handle unfamiliar vocabulary?

  • Using context: Fuller advises using context clues to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words, especially in conversations and reading.
  • Descriptive language: When lacking specific vocabulary, learners should use descriptive language to convey their meaning effectively.
  • Continuous learning: Regularly expanding vocabulary through reading, listening, and engaging with native speakers helps learners become more proficient over time.

Review Summary

3.42 out of 5
Average of 100+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

"How to Learn a Foreign Language" receives mostly positive reviews for its motivational and practical advice on language learning. Readers appreciate its concise format and helpful tips for beginners. Some find it outdated, mentioning tapes instead of modern technology, but many still consider the core principles valuable. The book is praised for demystifying language acquisition and offering strategies to overcome common hurdles. Critics note that experienced language learners may find the content basic, but it's generally recommended for those new to foreign language study.

Your rating:
4.03
21 ratings

About the Author

Graham E. Fuller is an author and political analyst with extensive experience in intelligence and foreign policy. He has worked for prominent organizations such as the Central Intelligence Agency, National Intelligence Council, and Rand Corporation. Fuller's background in these areas likely informs his approach to language learning, as understanding foreign cultures and communication is crucial in international relations and intelligence work. His diverse professional experiences may contribute to the practical and motivational aspects of his book on language learning, drawing from his own encounters with various languages and cultures throughout his career.

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