Foreign Languages for Everyone

Foreign Languages for Everyone

Author: Irene Brouwer Konyndyk

Publisher:

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 195

ISBN-13: 9781937532901

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

ENDORSEMENTS "This book is a conduit for students, teachers, and teacher educators -- a carefully guided path to making language learning not only possible, but meaningful and fun " --Marjorie Hall Haley, PhD, Board of Directors of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), Director of Foreign Language Teacher Licensure, George Mason University "Professor Konyndyk has developed a foreign-language pedagogy that makes students' deserts bloom. Foreign-language instructors and special educators will find themselves grateful to her for this contribution. --Lynn E. Snyder, PhD, CCC-SLP, Professor Emerita and Former Director of the Center for Language and Learning, University of Colorado at Boulder "Though I was told for such a long time 'No, you can't, ' you constantly were a voice saying 'Yes, you can and you will.' You not only helped show me that the world of language is one that is possible for me, but you also showed me the way that we . . . can have such a positive impact on the lives of others." --a personal note from one of Irene's own at-risk students ABOUT FOREIGN LANGUAGES FOR EVERYONE "This book is about how I learned to teach a second language to those who either have failed before or were not really given a chance to succeed. I wrote it to help others to be smart, productive teachers of foreign languages to students with learning disabilities. The book called me. My life journey prepared and inspired me to write it." --Irene Brouwer Konyndyk, from her preface Foreign Languages for Everyone is based on Professor Irene Brouwer Konyndyk's careful study and classroom experience teaching foreign languages effectively to students with learning disabilities. The goal of serving at-risk students became highly personal for Irene when she realized that her own daughter had a learning disability but could succeed academically with the right combination of multisensory learning experiences. This is a wonderfully practical and inspiring book loaded with practical tips and pedagogical insights for successfully teaching foreign languages to children, young people, high school and college students, and older adults who have difficulty learning a second language. ABOUT IRENE AND HER FREE ONLINE RESOURCES Irene Brouwer Konyndyk has taught languages at all levels -- from elementary through college. She received the Calvin College Innovative Teaching Award for her groundbreaking work developing a successful curriculum for at-risk second-language learners. She leads workshops across North America. Her free website, FOREIGN LANGUAGES FOR EVERYONE, provides: (1) downloadable copies of book-related appendixes, forms, and lesson plans, (2) illustrative video and audio clips, (3) news about important developments at the intersections of special education, learning disabilities, and foreign-language instruction, and (4) a community for second-language instructors to share best practices. TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) This book is ideal for educators and volunteers who teach English as a second language (ESL).


Book Synopsis Foreign Languages for Everyone by : Irene Brouwer Konyndyk

Download or read book Foreign Languages for Everyone written by Irene Brouwer Konyndyk and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 195 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ENDORSEMENTS "This book is a conduit for students, teachers, and teacher educators -- a carefully guided path to making language learning not only possible, but meaningful and fun " --Marjorie Hall Haley, PhD, Board of Directors of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), Director of Foreign Language Teacher Licensure, George Mason University "Professor Konyndyk has developed a foreign-language pedagogy that makes students' deserts bloom. Foreign-language instructors and special educators will find themselves grateful to her for this contribution. --Lynn E. Snyder, PhD, CCC-SLP, Professor Emerita and Former Director of the Center for Language and Learning, University of Colorado at Boulder "Though I was told for such a long time 'No, you can't, ' you constantly were a voice saying 'Yes, you can and you will.' You not only helped show me that the world of language is one that is possible for me, but you also showed me the way that we . . . can have such a positive impact on the lives of others." --a personal note from one of Irene's own at-risk students ABOUT FOREIGN LANGUAGES FOR EVERYONE "This book is about how I learned to teach a second language to those who either have failed before or were not really given a chance to succeed. I wrote it to help others to be smart, productive teachers of foreign languages to students with learning disabilities. The book called me. My life journey prepared and inspired me to write it." --Irene Brouwer Konyndyk, from her preface Foreign Languages for Everyone is based on Professor Irene Brouwer Konyndyk's careful study and classroom experience teaching foreign languages effectively to students with learning disabilities. The goal of serving at-risk students became highly personal for Irene when she realized that her own daughter had a learning disability but could succeed academically with the right combination of multisensory learning experiences. This is a wonderfully practical and inspiring book loaded with practical tips and pedagogical insights for successfully teaching foreign languages to children, young people, high school and college students, and older adults who have difficulty learning a second language. ABOUT IRENE AND HER FREE ONLINE RESOURCES Irene Brouwer Konyndyk has taught languages at all levels -- from elementary through college. She received the Calvin College Innovative Teaching Award for her groundbreaking work developing a successful curriculum for at-risk second-language learners. She leads workshops across North America. Her free website, FOREIGN LANGUAGES FOR EVERYONE, provides: (1) downloadable copies of book-related appendixes, forms, and lesson plans, (2) illustrative video and audio clips, (3) news about important developments at the intersections of special education, learning disabilities, and foreign-language instruction, and (4) a community for second-language instructors to share best practices. TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) This book is ideal for educators and volunteers who teach English as a second language (ESL).

Why You Need a Foreign Language & how to Learn One

Why You Need a Foreign Language & how to Learn One

Author: Edward Trimnell

Publisher: Beechmont Crest Pub

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 9780974833019

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"The first half of this book examines the commercial, social, and political implications of American monolingualism. The second half of the book explores the techniques and tools that a working professional can use to acqure functional skills in a new language."--Back cover.


Book Synopsis Why You Need a Foreign Language & how to Learn One by : Edward Trimnell

Download or read book Why You Need a Foreign Language & how to Learn One written by Edward Trimnell and published by Beechmont Crest Pub. This book was released on 2005 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The first half of this book examines the commercial, social, and political implications of American monolingualism. The second half of the book explores the techniques and tools that a working professional can use to acqure functional skills in a new language."--Back cover.

How to Learn a Foreign Language

How to Learn a Foreign Language

Author: Paul Pimsleur

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2013-10

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 1442369027

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In this entertaining and groundbreaking book, Dr. Paul Pimsleur, creator of the renowned Pimsleur Method, the world leader in audio-based language learning, shows how anyone can learn to speak a foreign language. If learning a language in high school left you bruised, with a sense that there was no way you can learn another language, How to Learn a Foreign Language will restore your sense of hope. In simple, straightforward terms, Dr. Pimsleur will help you learn grammar (seamlessly), vocabulary, and how to practice pronunciation (and come out sounding like a native). The key is the simplicity and directness of Pimsleur’s approach to a daunting subject, breaking it down piece by piece, demystifying the process along the way. Dr. Pimsleur draws on his own language learning trials and tribulations offering practical advice for overcoming the obstacles so many of us face. Originally published in 1980, How to Learn a Foreign Language is now available on the 50th anniversary of Dr. Pimsleur’s publication of the first of his first audio courses that embodied the concepts and methods found here. It's a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the mind of this amazing pioneer of language learning.


Book Synopsis How to Learn a Foreign Language by : Paul Pimsleur

Download or read book How to Learn a Foreign Language written by Paul Pimsleur and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2013-10 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this entertaining and groundbreaking book, Dr. Paul Pimsleur, creator of the renowned Pimsleur Method, the world leader in audio-based language learning, shows how anyone can learn to speak a foreign language. If learning a language in high school left you bruised, with a sense that there was no way you can learn another language, How to Learn a Foreign Language will restore your sense of hope. In simple, straightforward terms, Dr. Pimsleur will help you learn grammar (seamlessly), vocabulary, and how to practice pronunciation (and come out sounding like a native). The key is the simplicity and directness of Pimsleur’s approach to a daunting subject, breaking it down piece by piece, demystifying the process along the way. Dr. Pimsleur draws on his own language learning trials and tribulations offering practical advice for overcoming the obstacles so many of us face. Originally published in 1980, How to Learn a Foreign Language is now available on the 50th anniversary of Dr. Pimsleur’s publication of the first of his first audio courses that embodied the concepts and methods found here. It's a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the mind of this amazing pioneer of language learning.

Becoming Fluent

Becoming Fluent

Author: Richard Roberts

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2017-02-03

Total Pages: 245

ISBN-13: 0262529807

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Forget everything you’ve heard about adult language learning: evidence from cognitive science and psychology prove we can learn foreign languages just as easily as children. An eye-opening study on how adult learners can master a foreign lanugage by drawing on skills and knowledge honed over a lifetime. Adults who want to learn a foreign language are often discouraged because they believe they cannot acquire a language as easily as children. Once they begin to learn a language, adults may be further discouraged when they find the methods used to teach children don't seem to work for them. What is an adult language learner to do? In this book, Richard Roberts and Roger Kreuz draw on insights from psychology and cognitive science to show that adults can master a foreign language if they bring to bear the skills and knowledge they have honed over a lifetime. Adults shouldn't try to learn as children do; they should learn like adults. Roberts and Kreuz report evidence that adults can learn new languages even more easily than children. Children appear to have only two advantages over adults in learning a language: they acquire a native accent more easily, and they do not suffer from self-defeating anxiety about learning a language. Adults, on the other hand, have the greater advantages—gained from experience—of an understanding of their own mental processes and knowing how to use language to do things. Adults have an especially advantageous grasp of pragmatics, the social use of language, and Roberts and Kreuz show how to leverage this metalinguistic ability in learning a new language. Learning a language takes effort. But if adult learners apply the tools acquired over a lifetime, it can be enjoyable and rewarding.


Book Synopsis Becoming Fluent by : Richard Roberts

Download or read book Becoming Fluent written by Richard Roberts and published by MIT Press. This book was released on 2017-02-03 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Forget everything you’ve heard about adult language learning: evidence from cognitive science and psychology prove we can learn foreign languages just as easily as children. An eye-opening study on how adult learners can master a foreign lanugage by drawing on skills and knowledge honed over a lifetime. Adults who want to learn a foreign language are often discouraged because they believe they cannot acquire a language as easily as children. Once they begin to learn a language, adults may be further discouraged when they find the methods used to teach children don't seem to work for them. What is an adult language learner to do? In this book, Richard Roberts and Roger Kreuz draw on insights from psychology and cognitive science to show that adults can master a foreign language if they bring to bear the skills and knowledge they have honed over a lifetime. Adults shouldn't try to learn as children do; they should learn like adults. Roberts and Kreuz report evidence that adults can learn new languages even more easily than children. Children appear to have only two advantages over adults in learning a language: they acquire a native accent more easily, and they do not suffer from self-defeating anxiety about learning a language. Adults, on the other hand, have the greater advantages—gained from experience—of an understanding of their own mental processes and knowing how to use language to do things. Adults have an especially advantageous grasp of pragmatics, the social use of language, and Roberts and Kreuz show how to leverage this metalinguistic ability in learning a new language. Learning a language takes effort. But if adult learners apply the tools acquired over a lifetime, it can be enjoyable and rewarding.

Fluent in 3 Months

Fluent in 3 Months

Author: Benny Lewis

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published: 2014-03-11

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13: 0062282700

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Benny Lewis, who speaks over ten languages—all self-taught—runs the largest language-learning blog in the world, Fluent In 3 Months. Lewis is a full-time "language hacker," someone who devotes all of his time to finding better, faster, and more efficient ways to learn languages. Fluent in 3 Months: How Anyone at Any Age Can Learn to Speak Any Language from Anywhere in the World is a new blueprint for fast language learning. Lewis argues that you don't need a great memory or "the language gene" to learn a language quickly, and debunks a number of long-held beliefs, such as adults not being as good of language learners as children.


Book Synopsis Fluent in 3 Months by : Benny Lewis

Download or read book Fluent in 3 Months written by Benny Lewis and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2014-03-11 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Benny Lewis, who speaks over ten languages—all self-taught—runs the largest language-learning blog in the world, Fluent In 3 Months. Lewis is a full-time "language hacker," someone who devotes all of his time to finding better, faster, and more efficient ways to learn languages. Fluent in 3 Months: How Anyone at Any Age Can Learn to Speak Any Language from Anywhere in the World is a new blueprint for fast language learning. Lewis argues that you don't need a great memory or "the language gene" to learn a language quickly, and debunks a number of long-held beliefs, such as adults not being as good of language learners as children.

ACTFL 2005-2015

ACTFL 2005-2015

Author: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Publisher: Prentice Hall

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The eleven chapters of this ACTFL volume approach language education from a variety of perspectives including the history and current status of language policies; language needs of our government and our international businesses; teachers, teaching, and learning; assessment; instructional technology; heritage learners; less commonly taught languages; and special learners. This volume's authors accepted the challenge of answering the following basic questions related to their topic, as well as that of expanding upon their themes. Where are we now? Where should we be? or Where could we be? How do we realize our vision of languages for all?


Book Synopsis ACTFL 2005-2015 by : American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Download or read book ACTFL 2005-2015 written by American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and published by Prentice Hall. This book was released on 2006 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The eleven chapters of this ACTFL volume approach language education from a variety of perspectives including the history and current status of language policies; language needs of our government and our international businesses; teachers, teaching, and learning; assessment; instructional technology; heritage learners; less commonly taught languages; and special learners. This volume's authors accepted the challenge of answering the following basic questions related to their topic, as well as that of expanding upon their themes. Where are we now? Where should we be? or Where could we be? How do we realize our vision of languages for all?

Fluent Forever

Fluent Forever

Author: Gabriel Wyner

Publisher: Harmony

Published: 2014-08-05

Total Pages: 338

ISBN-13: 038534810X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • For anyone who wants to learn a foreign language, this is the method that will finally make the words stick. “A brilliant and thoroughly modern guide to learning new languages.”—Gary Marcus, cognitive psychologist and author of the New York Times bestseller Guitar Zero At thirty years old, Gabriel Wyner speaks six languages fluently. He didn’t learn them in school—who does? Rather, he learned them in the past few years, working on his own and practicing on the subway, using simple techniques and free online resources—and here he wants to show others what he’s discovered. Starting with pronunciation, you’ll learn how to rewire your ears and turn foreign sounds into familiar sounds. You’ll retrain your tongue to produce those sounds accurately, using tricks from opera singers and actors. Next, you’ll begin to tackle words, and connect sounds and spellings to imagery rather than translations, which will enable you to think in a foreign language. And with the help of sophisticated spaced-repetition techniques, you’ll be able to memorize hundreds of words a month in minutes every day. This is brain hacking at its most exciting, taking what we know about neuroscience and linguistics and using it to create the most efficient and enjoyable way to learn a foreign language in the spare minutes of your day.


Book Synopsis Fluent Forever by : Gabriel Wyner

Download or read book Fluent Forever written by Gabriel Wyner and published by Harmony. This book was released on 2014-08-05 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: NATIONAL BESTSELLER • For anyone who wants to learn a foreign language, this is the method that will finally make the words stick. “A brilliant and thoroughly modern guide to learning new languages.”—Gary Marcus, cognitive psychologist and author of the New York Times bestseller Guitar Zero At thirty years old, Gabriel Wyner speaks six languages fluently. He didn’t learn them in school—who does? Rather, he learned them in the past few years, working on his own and practicing on the subway, using simple techniques and free online resources—and here he wants to show others what he’s discovered. Starting with pronunciation, you’ll learn how to rewire your ears and turn foreign sounds into familiar sounds. You’ll retrain your tongue to produce those sounds accurately, using tricks from opera singers and actors. Next, you’ll begin to tackle words, and connect sounds and spellings to imagery rather than translations, which will enable you to think in a foreign language. And with the help of sophisticated spaced-repetition techniques, you’ll be able to memorize hundreds of words a month in minutes every day. This is brain hacking at its most exciting, taking what we know about neuroscience and linguistics and using it to create the most efficient and enjoyable way to learn a foreign language in the spare minutes of your day.

How to Teach a Foreign Language

How to Teach a Foreign Language

Author: Otto Jespersen

Publisher: DigiCat

Published: 2022-06-03

Total Pages: 146

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Written by the famous Danish linguist Otto Jespersen, this work has proved to be a valuable contribution to the English language and Linguistics. He presented theoretical considerations of language teaching in this book. As a professor of English at Copenhagen, he led a campaign for basing foreign-language teaching on the use of conversational speech rather than on the textbook study of grammar and vocabulary. He wrote several textbooks used in Denmark and other countries for English teaching. The modern techniques suggested by Jespersen make this work on didactics and pedagogy relevant even today for English teaching.


Book Synopsis How to Teach a Foreign Language by : Otto Jespersen

Download or read book How to Teach a Foreign Language written by Otto Jespersen and published by DigiCat. This book was released on 2022-06-03 with total page 146 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written by the famous Danish linguist Otto Jespersen, this work has proved to be a valuable contribution to the English language and Linguistics. He presented theoretical considerations of language teaching in this book. As a professor of English at Copenhagen, he led a campaign for basing foreign-language teaching on the use of conversational speech rather than on the textbook study of grammar and vocabulary. He wrote several textbooks used in Denmark and other countries for English teaching. The modern techniques suggested by Jespersen make this work on didactics and pedagogy relevant even today for English teaching.

English for Everyone: Level 1: Beginner, Course Book

English for Everyone: Level 1: Beginner, Course Book

Author: DK

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2016-06-28

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13: 0744028043

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Our Course Book (Level 1) is a great reference guide to introduce English for beginners including key language skills, grammar, and vocabulary. Ideal for English test preparations or ESL lesson plans, the Course Book uses visual teaching methods to introduce the English language, reinforced through a variety of exercises and examples when used alongside our Practice Book (Level 1). From introducing yourself and talking about your home, city, and hobbies to expanding your vocabulary and understanding grammar rules, this is a completely comprehensive introduction to learning English. Whether you are looking for ESL teaching materials, or a structured program for adults to learn English as a second language, the English for Everyone Course Books provide: - Sample language examples: New language topics are introduced in context using clear, illustrated, and color-coded explanations - Supporting audio: Extensive English-speaking audio materials integrated into every unit, giving vital oral and listening practice. (All supplementary audio is available on the DK English for Everyone website and IOS/Android App). - Sentence formation guides: Visual break downs of English grammar, showing learners how to recreate even complex English sentences - Visual English vocabulary cues: Lists of useful English words and common phrases with visual aids are available throughout the book - Personalized learning: Write-on lines encourage ESL learners to write their own prompts and translations where needed to help customize English language learning The English for Everyone Level 1 resources cover the skills and topics required for all major global English-language exams and reference frameworks including: - CEFR: A1 - TOEFL (test paper): 0-250 - TOEFL (computer-based test): 0-30 - TOEFL (online test): 0-10 - IELTS: 0-2.5 - TOEIC: 0-200 English for Everyone is a series of guides and practice books that supports English learning for adults from a beginner level, to intermediate, and advanced practical English. Offering an easy-to-follow format that offers guidance for both teaching English as a second or foreign language, and a self-study approach with resources available to improve English speaking, reading, and writing.


Book Synopsis English for Everyone: Level 1: Beginner, Course Book by : DK

Download or read book English for Everyone: Level 1: Beginner, Course Book written by DK and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2016-06-28 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Our Course Book (Level 1) is a great reference guide to introduce English for beginners including key language skills, grammar, and vocabulary. Ideal for English test preparations or ESL lesson plans, the Course Book uses visual teaching methods to introduce the English language, reinforced through a variety of exercises and examples when used alongside our Practice Book (Level 1). From introducing yourself and talking about your home, city, and hobbies to expanding your vocabulary and understanding grammar rules, this is a completely comprehensive introduction to learning English. Whether you are looking for ESL teaching materials, or a structured program for adults to learn English as a second language, the English for Everyone Course Books provide: - Sample language examples: New language topics are introduced in context using clear, illustrated, and color-coded explanations - Supporting audio: Extensive English-speaking audio materials integrated into every unit, giving vital oral and listening practice. (All supplementary audio is available on the DK English for Everyone website and IOS/Android App). - Sentence formation guides: Visual break downs of English grammar, showing learners how to recreate even complex English sentences - Visual English vocabulary cues: Lists of useful English words and common phrases with visual aids are available throughout the book - Personalized learning: Write-on lines encourage ESL learners to write their own prompts and translations where needed to help customize English language learning The English for Everyone Level 1 resources cover the skills and topics required for all major global English-language exams and reference frameworks including: - CEFR: A1 - TOEFL (test paper): 0-250 - TOEFL (computer-based test): 0-30 - TOEFL (online test): 0-10 - IELTS: 0-2.5 - TOEIC: 0-200 English for Everyone is a series of guides and practice books that supports English learning for adults from a beginner level, to intermediate, and advanced practical English. Offering an easy-to-follow format that offers guidance for both teaching English as a second or foreign language, and a self-study approach with resources available to improve English speaking, reading, and writing.

The Way of the Linguist

The Way of the Linguist

Author: Steve Kaufmann

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Published: 2005-11

Total Pages: 142

ISBN-13: 1420873296

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Way of The Linguist, A language learning odyssey. 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.


Book Synopsis The Way of the Linguist by : Steve Kaufmann

Download or read book The Way of the Linguist written by Steve Kaufmann and published by AuthorHouse. This book was released on 2005-11 with total page 142 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Way of The Linguist, A language learning odyssey. 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.