Effortless Conversations: A Method to Understand Native Speakers and Have Fluent Sentences Roll off the Tongue in Any Language

by Lukas Van Vyve

A faster way to speak any language fluently and naturally, without learning isolated words and grammar rules.

This book is for language learners who want to achieve effortless conversations in their language of choice.

Lukas Van Vyve learned to speak 5 languages fluently and discovered along the way that becoming fluent is not just about memorizing grammar rules and word lists. It’s not even about immersing yourself in the culture.

Speaking a language fluently and naturally stems from observing and deconstructing how native speakers speak— and then building a system to help you speak like them.

In “Effortless Conversations”, Lukas outlines the Effortless Conversations Method he has been using in his language courses and workshops with thousands of students.

After using this method, you will be able to understand native speakers and, just as importantly, you will be able to express yourself using fluent sentences that simply roll off the tongue—all without memorizing endless word lists and grammar rules.

The Effortless Conversations Method is your fast-track to fluency for language students at any level.

Some of the things you'll learn in this book:

✔ The difference between a construction mindset and an observation mindset--and how the latter can remove all clumsiness and guesswork while speaking a foreign language.

✔ Why you should learn word chunks instead of isolated words if you want to speak without worrying about grammar.

✔ The #1 tool (and the only one that really works) to practice your listening comprehension finally understand native speakers, even if they go off at blazing speed.

✔ The memory techniques used by top language learners and '"memory champions" that will allow you to imprint vocabulary on your brain, so you never draw a blank in conversations anymore.

✔ How to set up a simple, easy to follow language learning routine that doesn't overwhelm you and builds long-term study habits--so you can make more progress in the next 12 weeks than you did in the past 12 months!

Genres: Language, Teaching

117 pages, Paperback

Published September 14, 2018

Reviews

[Carmen Z · Rating 2 out of 5]

Repetitive

In terms of substance, the thinking behind this language learning method appears to be spot on.
The writing was very repetitive, however. The book could have been significantly shorter.

[Dorien De Groote · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As I've known Lukas from University where we both studied languages I was pleasantly surprised to find out he'd written a book, and about studying languages, no less. Oftentimes while reading I had to snicker when he talked about the struggles he went through during our courses because it just felt so familiar to me. I can still imagine us sitting there cramming vocabulary and grammar rules with little to no result.

In this book Lukas explains what is wrong with the way most courses are set up and why you're struggling to become fluent. He encourages and pushes you (in a friendly and motivating way) to work on your target language. With his method he shows us that language learning is not just about studying hours on end but that it can (and should) be fun. Furthermore he reminded me of why I started studying languages in the first place. It just really enriches you, it's like a whole new world opens up to you when you're making progress and it's so satisfying when you've realised that.

Anyways, if you're thinking about learning a new language but you're skeptical about it for whatever reason, I recommend you to read this book and I'm sure Lukas can convince you to start learning tomorrow.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought, downloaded and read in one day. Lukas introduces a new way of approaching language learning which isn't so new if you think about it. The concept of 'chunking', learning a group of words together to use in every day situations is reminiscent of how we all learn our native language as children.

The book is easy to read and understand and gives one the impression that he really understands the frustrations of learning a new language and applying it to conversations. Suitable for learners of all levels, the approach is broken down into easy steps with clear instructions.

If you are looking for a book that will spoon feed you course exercises then this is not the book for you. But if you are looking for a fresh approach to you language learning, one that very similar to how you learnt your native language as a child, then I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

[Gailee Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually began doing the suggested practices before buying the book after living here in Spain for three years. I agree with the principles; however, the book repeats too much, and you can boil down the lessons to a few pages.

With the book, it appears that the goal of the author is to encourage you to invest $7 in his 7 - 7 class which I plan to do. I'll let you know how that goes. It's supposed to give examples of ¨chunking¨ that are useful for every day life. He stressed that, like everything worthwhile, it takes dedication and work to succeed.

I absolutely agree that you have to listen a lot to podcasts, films, videos, people on the street and not just grind away trying to memorize vocabulary and grammar which my husband does. He freezes up when anyone tries to talk with him.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book by someone who has struggled with learning languages and learned a lot in the process. He shows why so much modern language learning falls short and how to do better. The book is a little repetitive in places, and it is not completely revolutionary either. However it focuses heavily on "chunking" which is clearly an important and under-appreciated area of language learning. The idea of chunking is not to learn just vocabulary, but to learn stock phrases and language in context.

There are other hints and tips, making this a good and interesting work. The writer also makes the case for language learning being fun.

[Sheelie Kittee · Rating 4 out of 5]

great ideas and i loved reading the idea of 'chunking' and this approach to language learning. as a linguaphile i always enjoy reading about new approaches to successful language learning. this was great. =)

One of the best and most insightful quotes:

Information does not create transformation

Only implementation and consistent action does

[Ruth clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Written by a linguist & language interpreter. This book sets out a different way of learning foreign languages, which makes a lot of sense to me.

Instead of focusing on single words and eternal grammar lessons, it suggests learning 'word chunks', and what these mean to a native speaker (because often you will not find the meaning with the single words, there is always a subtext connected to particular sayings). So to learn a language, its good to use native dialogues, and follow along with the written format. while doing that, you find the chunks of words that appear often, and then place these on flashcards and memorise them. Naturally, you don't give up learning grammar and new vocabulary, this is more a change in approach. I think it's brilliant. loved this book.

This I have noticed is also the approach used by Andre Klein, whose books I am using to learn German.