The Best Language Learning Books on the Market

Published by Richard Ahrene in 2023

What makes an excellent language-learning book?

There are several aspects to consider. For starters, the author must have studied at least one other language. 

How is this even possible?

Publishers discover that consumers are looking for simple ways to learn a language. So they want a piece of the pie, so they engage a researcher and a writer and publish a book.

Language Learning Books You Should Read

A few aspects contribute to the quality of language learning books. The author must possess:

They must have learned at least one language other than their mother tongue.

• Write quite good.
• Set a positive example.
• Make use of a range of strategies.
• Learn about memory science.

Although not all books are equally strong in all areas, these are typical features to seek when you browse and read.

Fluent in 3 months

Benny Lewis is an inspirational individual. Even if you never hear him speak, his enthusiasm for language acquisition shines through on every page of this book. Furthermore, he delves further into the most crucial part of making it happen:

Learning the language while doing a variety of other activities. Benny, for example, had employment and the time-consuming subject of travel to consider as part of his language study quest.

This is one of the most accessible language learning books since it shows how it is feasible to fit everything in. In addition, Benny provides a terrific mnemonic example throughout the book and urges you to begin using memory techniques.

However, as Benny points out, there is one thing to remember: at the beginning, almost everyone is rusty with memory procedures based on associations. Many of us haven't used our imaginations meaningfully since we were children.

Mnemonics can help you learn any language faster once you start memorising foreign language terminology by modelling his examples.

Fluent Forever

Gabriel Wyner is fluent in several languages. He also has a great memory. His book Fluent Forever is brimming with brilliant suggestions regarding memorising words and phrases faster.

This book's most significant influence on my fluency journey was his advice on creating your own flashcards.

But Gabriel's lesson on using drawings and colours made perfect sense.

And it's such a welcome change from Anki. However, you may apply the ideas to how you utilise any spaced repetition program with some experimenting.

Story Learning Series

Regarding spaced repetition, reading is the most convenient, enjoyable, and engaging method.

However, finding reading material appropriate for your level might take a lot of work.

Olly Richards knew this reality due to his experiences studying eight languages. He built something special to handle the challenge of locating reading material that provides relevant feedback based on your level.

His "Storylearning" approach.

More science than anybody has time to read suggests that stories help us learn about everything much faster. When we read about characters attempting to solve challenges, our brains are designed to remember more information.

As Olly says, stories provide the exact natural learning mechanism that allows toddlers to acquire languages quickly.

So, who better to give tools to fellow language learners than someone who has mastered eight languages?

He almost certainly has narrative books in the language you desire to study.

How to Speak Any Language Fluently

Regarding the speaking aspect of language learning, only Alex Rawlings' How to Speak Any Language Fluently.

The book's strengths include several instances of language learners prioritising speaking practice.

Although the book might have provided writing suggestions in the language you're studying, I don't consider this a flaw. Most of us want to understand what we hear and respond appropriately.

Among the many beautiful ideas presented in the books, Rawlings exposes you to "behaviour chains." He also gives a lot of advice on overcoming hurdles and organising your schedule.

Monolingual dictionaries

Some individuals will be offended by this idea.

However, working with a print dictionary is my preferred method for quickly learning new words and phrases.

But not any ordinary dictionary: A dictionary that is only available in one language.

If you're unfamiliar with the word, it refers to a dictionary in the language you're learning.

For example, if English is your mother tongue, your home English dictionary is monolingual.

However, many language learners know that primary dictionaries in almost any language may be obtained. They are designed for people learning the language or young people who cannot read well enough to use an adult dictionary.

It may take some searching to locate them in the language you wish to study. But the effort is worthwhile.

In addition, if you're working with a native speaker as part of your language learning journey (which you should be), you may ask them for assistance locating one.

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