A Practical Guide to Language Learning

by H. Douglas Brown

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Tawny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm working on getting past a plateau with my Japanese. This book had some great suggestions. Favorite lines:
1. "Learning a language requires a complex set of skills that involves your whole self--your emotional self, thinking self, and physical self. It's a skill that involves a special blend of positive attitude, concentration, effort, and relaxation" (1).
2. "A foreign language is so complex a skill that self-confidence is one of the most important keystones for your success" (9).
3. "Learning styles act as a bridge between mind and emotion. The threads of intellect are closely woven into the fabric of personality" (31).
4. "Mistakes are a natural, normal, and even necessary aspect of learning a foreign language . . . If you can develop within yourself that special ability to laugh at your own mistakes, you'll go a long way toward success" (55).

[Reuel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather lightweight. I was looking for useful strategies for my students who struggle with learning English, but this didn't really offer anything useful.