How to Learn Another Language

M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

This experimental lecture text introduces the students of various degree course in Cross-Cultural Studies to some aspects of linguistics and some methods of learning a language other than their own. The course is intended to be taught in a single semester with 3 credits.

Students are introduced to the basic principles, techniques, and methods of learning a second or foreign language using modern linguistic principles and methods of linguistic description. The goal is to equip the students with the perspectives and the resources they need to successfully learn another language and to minister effectively in another culture. It is expected that through this course the students will develop a basic understanding of the processes, techniques and methods of first and second/foreign language acquisition.

The focus is on helping students to acquire some important concepts and tools to start learning another language on their own.

Learning a language is always a complex activity. Because it is often “difficult” to learn another language, we soon give up learning the other language, or feel satisfied with what we have accomplished and make no further progress. I would like to encourage our students that learning another language is a great and rewarding experience. Indeed, we can succeed in our effort to learn another language! Language learning is also culture learning!

The book is divided into 9 chapters as given below:

Preface

1. Chapter 1 What Is Language? 
2. Chapter 2 Language Learning 
3. Chapter 3 Learning The Script Of Another Language 
4. Chapter 4 Learning The Sounds Of Another Language 
5. Chapter 5 Learning The Words Of Another Language 
6. Chapter 6 Learning The Sentences Of Another Language 
7. Chapter 7 Learning The Meanings Of Another Language 
8. Chapter 8 Learning Nonverbal Communication 
9. Chapter 9 Aspects Of Translation 

References

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