Learning a Foreign Language: Understanding the Fundamentals of Linguistics

by Alex Poole

This text helps monolinguals achieve their dream of learning another language. Each chapter explains and exemplifies issues inherent in the language learning process that readers need to understand. These include maintaining motivation, dealing with errors, being strategic, and assessing progress. Readers receive advice on the practical steps they can take to make learning more effective and enjoyable. They also gain exposure to the methods and techniques used to research language learning. While doing so, they become aware of child language development, the evolution of language, language’s relationship to culture, and other fundamental areas of linguistics. Readers also confront limitations related to age and learn about the necessity of having realistic expectations concerning pronunciation, grammar production, word usage, and cultural knowledge. Questions following the end of every chapter encourage readers to reflect on the information presented and how they can use it. The text’s focus on first-time language learners and straightforward style make it accessible for high school students, college language majors, and those independently pursuing a language.

149 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2020

Reviews

[Helena Ferry]

Inte nöjesläsning utan kurslitteratur... Ska bli kul att kanske hinna läsa något roligt nu när jag är klar med denna. 😅

[Nathan Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Poole does a good job of covering all major bases. This is good material for adult or collegiate learners of other languages who are looking for an understanding of how language learning works after the "critical" period ends and how better to regulate and motivate that learning.

[Adriane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great text for anyone who is interested in world languages, linguistics, pedagogy as it relates to language learning, and/or the intersection of language and culture.

[Scott Milam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of research, lots of expertise, the writing didn't always pull all of it together coherently.