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The Linguist: A Personal Guide to Language Learning
It is now a cliché that the world is a smaller place. We think nothing of jumping on a plane to travel to another country or continent. The most exotic locations are now destinations for mass tourism. Small business people are dealing across frontiers and language barriers like never before. The Internet brings different languages and cultures to our finger-tips. English, the hybrid language of an island at the western extremity of Europe seems to have an unrivalled position as an international medium of communication. But historically periods of cultural and economic domination have never lasted forever. Do we not lose something by relying on the wide spread use of English rather than discovering other languages and cultures? As citizens of this shrunken world, would we not be better off if we were able to speak a few languages other than our own? The answer is obviously yes. Certainly Steve Kaufmann thinks so, and in his busy life as a diplomat and businessman he managed to learn to speak nine languages fluently and observe first hand some of the dominant cultures of Europe and Asia. Why do not more people do the same? In his book The Way of The Linguist, A language learning odyssey, Steve offers some answers. Steve feels anyone can learn a language if they want to. He points out some of the obstacles that hold people back. Drawing on his adventures in Europe and Asia, as a student and businessman, he describes the rewards that come from knowing languages. He relates his evolution as a language learner, abroad and back in his native Canada and explains the kind of attitude that will enable others to achieve second language fluency. Many people have taken on the challenge of language learning but have been frustrated by their lack of success. This book offers detailed advice on the kind of study practices that will achieve language breakthroughs. Steve has developed a language learning system available online at: www.thelinguist.com.
146 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2003
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188 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 9, 2017
Honestly, Steve Kaufmann's approach can seem radically wrong, when actually he is very right. I read the book because it's on LingQ, his website, that I'm currently using to learn French and improve my Spanish. And I guess I could talk for hours about language learning methods, what I find most efficient and what not, but all I want to say, regarding this book, is that Steve's method is worth trying. You can also find him on YouTube if you prefer.
Key take-away:
exposure > memorization
when reading, try to understand not translate
find engaging material
(really think about that, though)
Key take-away:
exposure > memorization
when reading, try to understand not translate
find engaging material
(really think about that, though)
December 28, 2017
Not a great book but I like reading it on lingq for my first real book with each language
March 3, 2025
I found the book painfully boring and repetitive. The main takeaway is you need to immerse yourself in the language that you are learning and that you will naturally acquire it by reading and listening to things you are interested in and that are not too challenging. You should also try to communicate with people and make friends with allophones and need a good source of motivation and confidence so that you have the right attitude for language learning.
I agree with the message and it helped me realize that I needed to dramatically increase my exposure to French to really get through the intermediate plateau, but it could've been a blog post with a couple of personal anecdotes instead of what often reads like disconnected ramblings about various anecdotes that are only loosely connected to language learning and provide very little additional insight. There's only so many times I can read about how you need to immerse yourself in natural material and textbooks before I get disengaged.
I agree with the message and it helped me realize that I needed to dramatically increase my exposure to French to really get through the intermediate plateau, but it could've been a blog post with a couple of personal anecdotes instead of what often reads like disconnected ramblings about various anecdotes that are only loosely connected to language learning and provide very little additional insight. There's only so many times I can read about how you need to immerse yourself in natural material and textbooks before I get disengaged.
September 15, 2024
I enjoyed the book by Kaufmann in which he shared his journey in language learning and proved that the possibilities aren't limited by age. He started learning Japanese in his 40s and continued to learn other languages in his middle age. This book would be motivation for those who have fears about learning a new language as an adult or as a teen, fearing that they don’t have the innate ability to do so or are too old. For a person that has already done so as an adult, it would serve as a reminder that it is possible, which I often tell those who express their fears and concerns when it comes to learning languages as an adult in 2024.
1. Learning through phrases There are some people who feel like the traditional method of learning languages in a classroom prevails over what Kaufmann mentions on page 43. He argues that learning vocabulary in context, especially within phrases, is more effective than isolated word study. This emphasizes that language acquisition should be tied to real, practical usage. I think the problem with some of these ‘newer’ methods is that they haven’t been approved by official bodies of learning and there are many people that prefer official structure when it comes to learning. I think they feel that way so they can abandon any personal responsibility in learning and leave it to the structure. I understand the reason for this but this isn’t where it applies and since language learning isn’t simply strict and always has a personal touch, it’s essential that one puts their own effort into it, especially as an adult language learning. A child does so as well but they do this intuitively without any prompting.
2. Autonomous learning (page 130) - "Too many people think that simply attending language school will enable them to learn a language. In fact, whether you are attending formal classes or not, you will do most of your learning on your own. You direct your own listening and reading activity. You work on learning and relearning words and phrases, you train yourself to pronounce correctly, and you work on your writing. When you choose the activity that suits your mood, your studies are more intense than when you are forced to follow the teacher's agenda.”
Kaufmann emphasizes the importance of self-directed learning, even when attending formal classes. Language learners must take charge of their own progress by choosing activities that match their interests and moods, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective.
3. Avoiding repetitive mimicry - Kaufmann cautions that poor pronunciation and incorrect repetition can lead to entrenched mistakes. This supports the idea that accuracy is crucial in the early stages of learning, particularly with sounds and pronunciation. This called out to me personally as I have actually met people in real life that are guilty of this due to for whatever reason not having rectified the errors they were making in the natal stages of their adult language learning. Some people don’t rectify it due to pride or fear, pride could be disguised as fear. The fear/pride could be that they only wish to be understood and as long as they’re understood, they feel like the job is done. With casual conversations, usually those had over a cup of tea or a glass of beer it’s fine since those hardly matter but when it’s a more serious matter and the information communicated is crucial and needs to be understood probably by the first take (time playing a factor), then bad communication i.e. poor pronunciation is an issue.
Personal example: I was in a foreign country when I was about to board a flight. The employee there, eager to utilise her English asked me if I had packed my own bags, a standard security question. Her English was unfortunately so bad, due to repetitive practice of incorrect sounds that for the life of me, I couldn't understand what she was saying. After several moments trying to process all possibilities, I asked her to repeat it in her native tongue. I hate to be a downer with regards to language learning attempts but these methods of language learning are time sinks.
4. Tonal emphasis in English and other languages (page 72) - Kaufmann's revelation about tones in language is insightful, showing that even non-tonal languages like English use tonal variations for emphasis. This bridges the gap for learners hesitant about tonal languages, illustrating that tonal sensitivity exists in all languages, though it may manifest differently.
5. Enthusiasm and hard work (page 81) - As with many disciplines, language learning requires dedication and a positive attitude. Kaufmann connects this effort to success in other areas like entrepreneurship, showing that persistence is key across many fields.
6. The "Fish Trap" metaphor (page 82) - “Fish traps exist to capture fish. Once you’ve got the fish, you can forget the trap” - Zuanghzi 4th century BC.
This ancient quote underscores the importance of having a goal in language learning. Words are tools for communication, and the ultimate aim should be to connect with people and their culture, rather than mastering technical language details. He reminds language learners to seek to communicate instead of bogging themselves down with unnecessary grammar exercises and drills which don’t add to the main purpose when one comes back to review it.
7. Learning by doing, not theory (page 93) - “You learning by becoming, not from theory.”. This concept stresses the importance of immersive practice rather than relying solely on theoretical learning. It reflects modern language-learning approaches that encourage active usage rather than rote memorization.
On page 141 Kaufmann made an interesting point about the English language being the cement of Canadian culture. He was indicating that language matters greatly when it comes to integrating into a society (something I feel strongly about). It’s not something that should be imposed as a law but there are certain social laws that are unwritten, unspoken but very much implemented and by failing to do so would do one a disservice if they mean to get all they can as a citizen of a said society.
He also claims that Canadian English is a useful version of English for non-native speakers as it has less variance than the pronunciation found in Britain or the US. He claims that this neutrality makes it easier for non-native speakers to assimilate more easily into the culture from a language perspective.
The Personal Guide to language learning is a well written book. It wasn’t overly complicated and used simple yet effective writing to communicate the language learning journey of a linguist very competent in the learnt languages with no unique skills when it comes to language learning. For this reason I would recommend it to beginners to help them assuage the rookie fear of not having what it takes to learn. Kaufmann reinforces that desire is the only 'skill' that is needed to learn a new language. I would also refer it to advanced language learners as an alternative way of presenting actionable strategies to fledgling learners who aren't yet as seasoned in the journey.
1. Learning through phrases There are some people who feel like the traditional method of learning languages in a classroom prevails over what Kaufmann mentions on page 43. He argues that learning vocabulary in context, especially within phrases, is more effective than isolated word study. This emphasizes that language acquisition should be tied to real, practical usage. I think the problem with some of these ‘newer’ methods is that they haven’t been approved by official bodies of learning and there are many people that prefer official structure when it comes to learning. I think they feel that way so they can abandon any personal responsibility in learning and leave it to the structure. I understand the reason for this but this isn’t where it applies and since language learning isn’t simply strict and always has a personal touch, it’s essential that one puts their own effort into it, especially as an adult language learning. A child does so as well but they do this intuitively without any prompting.
2. Autonomous learning (page 130) - "Too many people think that simply attending language school will enable them to learn a language. In fact, whether you are attending formal classes or not, you will do most of your learning on your own. You direct your own listening and reading activity. You work on learning and relearning words and phrases, you train yourself to pronounce correctly, and you work on your writing. When you choose the activity that suits your mood, your studies are more intense than when you are forced to follow the teacher's agenda.”
Kaufmann emphasizes the importance of self-directed learning, even when attending formal classes. Language learners must take charge of their own progress by choosing activities that match their interests and moods, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective.
3. Avoiding repetitive mimicry - Kaufmann cautions that poor pronunciation and incorrect repetition can lead to entrenched mistakes. This supports the idea that accuracy is crucial in the early stages of learning, particularly with sounds and pronunciation. This called out to me personally as I have actually met people in real life that are guilty of this due to for whatever reason not having rectified the errors they were making in the natal stages of their adult language learning. Some people don’t rectify it due to pride or fear, pride could be disguised as fear. The fear/pride could be that they only wish to be understood and as long as they’re understood, they feel like the job is done. With casual conversations, usually those had over a cup of tea or a glass of beer it’s fine since those hardly matter but when it’s a more serious matter and the information communicated is crucial and needs to be understood probably by the first take (time playing a factor), then bad communication i.e. poor pronunciation is an issue.
Personal example: I was in a foreign country when I was about to board a flight. The employee there, eager to utilise her English asked me if I had packed my own bags, a standard security question. Her English was unfortunately so bad, due to repetitive practice of incorrect sounds that for the life of me, I couldn't understand what she was saying. After several moments trying to process all possibilities, I asked her to repeat it in her native tongue. I hate to be a downer with regards to language learning attempts but these methods of language learning are time sinks.
4. Tonal emphasis in English and other languages (page 72) - Kaufmann's revelation about tones in language is insightful, showing that even non-tonal languages like English use tonal variations for emphasis. This bridges the gap for learners hesitant about tonal languages, illustrating that tonal sensitivity exists in all languages, though it may manifest differently.
5. Enthusiasm and hard work (page 81) - As with many disciplines, language learning requires dedication and a positive attitude. Kaufmann connects this effort to success in other areas like entrepreneurship, showing that persistence is key across many fields.
6. The "Fish Trap" metaphor (page 82) - “Fish traps exist to capture fish. Once you’ve got the fish, you can forget the trap” - Zuanghzi 4th century BC.
This ancient quote underscores the importance of having a goal in language learning. Words are tools for communication, and the ultimate aim should be to connect with people and their culture, rather than mastering technical language details. He reminds language learners to seek to communicate instead of bogging themselves down with unnecessary grammar exercises and drills which don’t add to the main purpose when one comes back to review it.
7. Learning by doing, not theory (page 93) - “You learning by becoming, not from theory.”. This concept stresses the importance of immersive practice rather than relying solely on theoretical learning. It reflects modern language-learning approaches that encourage active usage rather than rote memorization.
On page 141 Kaufmann made an interesting point about the English language being the cement of Canadian culture. He was indicating that language matters greatly when it comes to integrating into a society (something I feel strongly about). It’s not something that should be imposed as a law but there are certain social laws that are unwritten, unspoken but very much implemented and by failing to do so would do one a disservice if they mean to get all they can as a citizen of a said society.
He also claims that Canadian English is a useful version of English for non-native speakers as it has less variance than the pronunciation found in Britain or the US. He claims that this neutrality makes it easier for non-native speakers to assimilate more easily into the culture from a language perspective.
The Personal Guide to language learning is a well written book. It wasn’t overly complicated and used simple yet effective writing to communicate the language learning journey of a linguist very competent in the learnt languages with no unique skills when it comes to language learning. For this reason I would recommend it to beginners to help them assuage the rookie fear of not having what it takes to learn. Kaufmann reinforces that desire is the only 'skill' that is needed to learn a new language. I would also refer it to advanced language learners as an alternative way of presenting actionable strategies to fledgling learners who aren't yet as seasoned in the journey.
July 20, 2017
Steve Kaufmann est un polyglotte qui prône une méthode d'apprentissage axée sur avoir autant d'exposition de la langue que possible, au lieu de parler tout de suite. Selon lui, les cours de langue ne vous aideront pas forcément à apprendre une langue et les listes de mots aléatoires n'accroitront jamais ton vocabulaire s'ils ne sont pas pertinents à vous et, de préférence, dans leurs contextes. Il dit que l'attitude de l'apprenant est plus importante que l'aptitude ou un talent inné supposé. Ainsi que l'attitude, la régularité des efforts est fondamentale. Et, au-dessus de tout, il faut trouver le contenu qui vous intéressez pour que vous vous amusiez.
Il n'y a aucun révélation ici pour ceux qui suivent la chaîne YouTube de Kaufmann et j'ai trouvé son livre répétitif mais, comme je l'ai lu (et écouté) en français, cela était un atout. Il a aussi inclus des anecdotes de sa vie et son parcours avec des langues qui m'intéressaient.
En fin de compte, ce n'est pas révolutionnaire, mais l'apprentissage d'une langue n'est pas non plus. Ce n'est que la répétition et la fréquence. J'apprécie le livre et je le recommanderais aux apprenants des langues. Je l'ai lu sur LingQ (le site web co-fondé par Kaufmann) qui s'avère d'être une ressource indispensable pour l'exposition d'écoute et d'écriture à la langue que vous vouliez apprendre.
Il n'y a aucun révélation ici pour ceux qui suivent la chaîne YouTube de Kaufmann et j'ai trouvé son livre répétitif mais, comme je l'ai lu (et écouté) en français, cela était un atout. Il a aussi inclus des anecdotes de sa vie et son parcours avec des langues qui m'intéressaient.
En fin de compte, ce n'est pas révolutionnaire, mais l'apprentissage d'une langue n'est pas non plus. Ce n'est que la répétition et la fréquence. J'apprécie le livre et je le recommanderais aux apprenants des langues. Je l'ai lu sur LingQ (le site web co-fondé par Kaufmann) qui s'avère d'être une ressource indispensable pour l'exposition d'écoute et d'écriture à la langue que vous vouliez apprendre.
July 6, 2021
This book was a little like War and Peace. In that it could have been 3 chapters long, but the author kept going on rambling detours for pages at a time. (Plus I enjoyed War and Peace.)
The most useful chapters only came after about 45 chapters, and then it was a few short amplifications of ideas that could have been listed instead of dragged out.... and then some weird appendices I ignored because I am not planning to emigrate to Canada. (True story.)
I am usually a fan of Kaufmann's ideas, and have enjoyed some of his works in the past. However this was not well written and the book neither engaged me nor encouraged me to read more or to learn languages.
In the book's defence, I had heard a lot of these ideas before and they meet up with my way of language study, so maybe it would have impacted me more positively if it was my first exposure to this way of thinking.
The most useful chapters only came after about 45 chapters, and then it was a few short amplifications of ideas that could have been listed instead of dragged out.... and then some weird appendices I ignored because I am not planning to emigrate to Canada. (True story.)
I am usually a fan of Kaufmann's ideas, and have enjoyed some of his works in the past. However this was not well written and the book neither engaged me nor encouraged me to read more or to learn languages.
In the book's defence, I had heard a lot of these ideas before and they meet up with my way of language study, so maybe it would have impacted me more positively if it was my first exposure to this way of thinking.
April 23, 2022
I've read this book before in French, now I've read it in Spanish, but I don't really want to read it again.
The Linguist lays out some solid language-learning principles and provides an interesting biographical story, but the repetition of ideas makes me wish the book were two thirds of its current length.
I'd recommend this guide for people who are attempting to learn another language for the first time--if you read the book in the language you want to learn, the repetition will help new vocabulary stick faster--but I'd advise moving to other novels written in your target language as soon as your interest starts to wane since the story is unlikely to capture you again once you're mentally checked out.
The Linguist lays out some solid language-learning principles and provides an interesting biographical story, but the repetition of ideas makes me wish the book were two thirds of its current length.
I'd recommend this guide for people who are attempting to learn another language for the first time--if you read the book in the language you want to learn, the repetition will help new vocabulary stick faster--but I'd advise moving to other novels written in your target language as soon as your interest starts to wane since the story is unlikely to capture you again once you're mentally checked out.
March 1, 2010
In THE LINGUIST: A Personal Guide to Language Learning, Steve Kaufmann promises to impart to you the insights that he has gained over a lifetime of learning several languages. The way the book was published and the amateur typesetting that greets you as you open the volume don't augur well. And indeed, the author ends up being something of a doddering old man, who goes into long tangents that have little to do with his proclaimed mission of language education, e.g.:
"As a poor student, I did not often have the chance to enjoy haute cuisine. However, it was not uncommon when I was hitchhiking in Southern France for truck drivers to share with me a full course lunch, including wine. How they continued driving after that was a bit of a mystery to me. I understand that the control on drinking and driving in France has become more severe in recent years."
After this there then follows a long explication of his hitchhiking experience with no connection to language learning. Virtually every stage of Kaufmann's life is marked by a long series of reminisces on local cuisine or geography with language learning being an afterthought.
After Kaufmann's biographical and philosophical musings, one finally comes to a chapter entitled "How to Learn a Language". But here the real tips are obscured by what is essentially a long sales pitch for Kaufmann's own website. A 7-page long appendix is just a collection of views on immigration to Canada.
My training is in linguistics and I travel most of the year seeking out new languages to learn, but I try to give only vague answers when asked by others what languages I speak for a number of reasons, among them 1) retaining a language after you've learnt it is a lifelong effort and your skills can atrophy without you even realizing it, and 2) the matter of what is really means to speak a foreign language fluently is difficult to pin down -- for example, I might comfortably immerse myself in village life in many languages, but the language's literary standard may remain a challenge. Presenting yourself as an authority on language learning is just to invite people to find cracks in the facade -- certainly for all my own personal achievements, I too would ultimately sound ridiculous if I wrote as Kaufmann does.
I suspect that this book will be of little use to most linguaphiles, who tend to establish their own methods through their own personal experience and not that of others. The general public wouldn't even ever come across this.
"As a poor student, I did not often have the chance to enjoy haute cuisine. However, it was not uncommon when I was hitchhiking in Southern France for truck drivers to share with me a full course lunch, including wine. How they continued driving after that was a bit of a mystery to me. I understand that the control on drinking and driving in France has become more severe in recent years."
After this there then follows a long explication of his hitchhiking experience with no connection to language learning. Virtually every stage of Kaufmann's life is marked by a long series of reminisces on local cuisine or geography with language learning being an afterthought.
After Kaufmann's biographical and philosophical musings, one finally comes to a chapter entitled "How to Learn a Language". But here the real tips are obscured by what is essentially a long sales pitch for Kaufmann's own website. A 7-page long appendix is just a collection of views on immigration to Canada.
My training is in linguistics and I travel most of the year seeking out new languages to learn, but I try to give only vague answers when asked by others what languages I speak for a number of reasons, among them 1) retaining a language after you've learnt it is a lifelong effort and your skills can atrophy without you even realizing it, and 2) the matter of what is really means to speak a foreign language fluently is difficult to pin down -- for example, I might comfortably immerse myself in village life in many languages, but the language's literary standard may remain a challenge. Presenting yourself as an authority on language learning is just to invite people to find cracks in the facade -- certainly for all my own personal achievements, I too would ultimately sound ridiculous if I wrote as Kaufmann does.
I suspect that this book will be of little use to most linguaphiles, who tend to establish their own methods through their own personal experience and not that of others. The general public wouldn't even ever come across this.
March 31, 2013
I have great respect for Steve Kaufman, and his perseverance in learning the many languages he speaks, this book is not a "personal guide to language learning." It is more of a guided tour through the foreign countries he's lived in, why he decided to learn his first few languages, and his experiences in work and travel. Very few actual strategies for learning a foreign language, aside from some tips here and there. Interesting book, but doesn't accomplish its stated purpose.
April 19, 2019
Steve Kaufmann is a great polyglot, he uses Stephen Krashen's approach. This book is available on his website LingQ, who is, in my opinion, the best website to learn languages. I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't know how to start learning a foreign language by his own.
March 15, 2022
Un excellent livre pour commencer à lire en français. Écrit simplement et pourtant pas ennuyeux.
July 12, 2024
Nothing new if you're familiar with Steve Kaufmann's method of language learning. It was mostly a narration of his life and the struggles of learning new languages back when the internet didn't really exist. Included a couple of chapters describing his mentality and approach to language learning near the end. And I don't get the last three chapters being about immigration to Canada.
This book could've definitely benefited from a much better editor, as other reviews pointed out. It was clear and repetitive, which helped it being my first successful read of a French book *throws confetti* but I can't imagine myself reading it again in a new language unless I have a really unstoppable tolerance to boredom for the sake of learning (I don't really, not yet at least).
This book could've definitely benefited from a much better editor, as other reviews pointed out. It was clear and repetitive, which helped it being my first successful read of a French book *throws confetti* but I can't imagine myself reading it again in a new language unless I have a really unstoppable tolerance to boredom for the sake of learning (I don't really, not yet at least).
August 2, 2023
I’ve finished this book by listening the audio book. I really agree with most of the methods. Learning English was once a tough task when I was at school. But after I went sightseeing in England a few years ago, I suddenly found the desire to master the English language. As Kaufmann said, attitude is of great importance in the journey of language learning. Nowadays, I choose more interesting materials to read and listen to, thus improving my English skills in a more delightful way. After all, this book has enlightened me a lot; I hope to reach a higher level of proficiency in English language skills.
January 8, 2024
[audiobook]
I liked his approach to language learning but this book is just a demo of his school in a way, having such an experience of living in Asia back when internet wasn't even heard of - that would be something; learning languages back then was truly a big battle to fight and he did it, many times even.
He could do better having all that background, so much to tell about.
A missed chance if you ask me.
p.s. I still enjoyed it, especially that part on Hongkong and the Star Ferry - I relived it in my mind.
I liked his approach to language learning but this book is just a demo of his school in a way, having such an experience of living in Asia back when internet wasn't even heard of - that would be something; learning languages back then was truly a big battle to fight and he did it, many times even.
He could do better having all that background, so much to tell about.
A missed chance if you ask me.
p.s. I still enjoyed it, especially that part on Hongkong and the Star Ferry - I relived it in my mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2021
E un ghid perfect pentru cei care vor să învețe o limbă străină, însă consider că metodele prezentate în carte pot fi cu adevărat folositoare doar dacă trăiești intr-un mediu multicultural și ai posibilitatea de a comunica in fiecare zi în limba țintă.
Read
May 10, 2024Not exactly a step by step guide on language learning but it is inspirational and focuses on the persistence that is needed in language learning. The topics covered I feel like can stretch to most aspects in life. Work hard, don`t give up, and perfection is not needed.
September 1, 2024
It's not a bad exercise if you're in the process of learning Spanish. The pertinent content could have been condensed to a 6 page white paper. But I suppose it was more about the exercise of reading in Spanish than anything else. Meh.
February 6, 2018
El Español? Ningun esfuerzo
April 22, 2020
1) focus on patterns from content you enjoy and find interesting
2) don’t worry about grammar but on meaning
3) continue listening for patterns and intonations
2) don’t worry about grammar but on meaning
3) continue listening for patterns and intonations
June 8, 2021
Es más biografía que guía, pero aún así fue una lectura agradable para alguien interesado en el aprendizaje de idiomas y las perspectivas y experiencias del autor.
Want to read
November 29, 2021@2016-10-14 16:52:40
April 18, 2022
Steve Kaufmann's language learning journey is interesting, but this book definitely could have used a good editor.
June 23, 2022
Very interesting book, even for a plyglot!
January 5, 2023
La lección más valiosa que obtuve del libro es que "aprender idiomas es una aventura".
February 22, 2024
Helpful for reading practice material in a second language, has a few strong points, very repetitive, should've been shorter.
January 3, 2025
Pretty alright tips. But i also really like steve and his YouTube content. His approach is the correct one. And i was able to put it to the test by reading the spanish version of this book on lingq.
January 27, 2021
this book is an easy read and I relish Steve's recollection of his own journey that he had brought to us in the book , I must say Steve have lived a full circle of life . two third of the book is autobiography , of course there are constant ingrained 'infomercials'
of his site , I don't mind it at all . I have watched almost every single one of Steve's video , it is funny while I read I can hear Steve's voice reading and I love it . if you are already dubious about Steve's saying on his youtube channel , then don't bother with the book.
of his site , I don't mind it at all . I have watched almost every single one of Steve's video , it is funny while I read I can hear Steve's voice reading and I love it . if you are already dubious about Steve's saying on his youtube channel , then don't bother with the book.
August 12, 2012
Interesting more for the view on different cultures than for the learning language process in itself. It was a boost to remind me that yes, indeed, one can learn foreign languages, but there is too much promotion for the author's website (and paid services) underlying here.
March 18, 2015
I am a Chinese reader who read it in Chinese version.
I think it rather good, because it's a interesting book about specail experiences. Why should we always be so serious so that we can find some good methods to learn other languages?
I think it rather good, because it's a interesting book about specail experiences. Why should we always be so serious so that we can find some good methods to learn other languages?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews