How to Learn a Foreign Language

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.