The revised edition incorporates the latest
thinking about learner strategies and language learning while retaining the clarity and user-friendly tone of the first edition. Language learners and teachers alike discover the psychological, linguistic, and
practical matters surrounding the
successful acquisition of new language.
(Source: Back
cover)
Features:
Presents complex ideas about language acquisition in clear, non-technical language, suitable for the learner and the teacher alike.
Examines important language questions, such as: What is the nature of language and communication? How does one define objectives for language study? How does one best manage the learning
process?
The proficiency guidelines of ACTFL and the Department of State's Foreign Service Institute are described in a detailed and effective manner.
Easy-to-read charts and easy-to-use questionnaires.
New to the Second Edition: sections on cognitive and metacognitive
strategies and discussion of high technology's application to language learning.
Chapter
1
You, the language learner
Everything depends on you
You, the language learner, are the most important factor in the language learning process. Success or failure will, in the end, be determined by what you yourself contribute. Many learners tend to blame teachers, circumstances, and teaching materials for their lack of success, when the most important reason for their lack of success can ultimately be found in themselves. There are several learner traits that are relevant to learning a foreign language, and they usually appear in combination. A positive combination of these traits is probably more important than any single trait by itself.
It is important to realize that them is no stereotype of "the good language learners." There are, instead, many individual traits that contribute to success, and there are also many individual ways of learning a foreign language. People can compensate for the absence of one trait by relying more heavily on another and by accentuating their strengths to compensate for their weaknesses. There is no conclusive evidence that any one of the traits described below is more important than another, particularly over long period of language study. The descriptions in this chapter are intended to help you help you analyze your predispositions. As a result, you may better understand how to enhance your learning by emphasizing your strengths and minimizing the effects of your weaknesses.
CONTENTS
Preface
Forewords
PART ONE : BEFORE YOU BEGIN
CHAPTER 1 You, the Language Learner
3
CHAPTER 2 The Language Learning Process 9
CHAPTER 3 Clarifying Your Objectives 12
CHAPTER 4 Planning Your Language Study 22
CHAPTER 5 The Communication Process 30
CHAPTER 6 The Nature of language 42
CHAPTER 7 Language Learning Resources 47
PART TWO ONCE YOU BEGIN
CHAPTER 8 Take Charge of Your Learning 59
CHAPTER 9 What You Know Can Help You 63
CHAPTER 10 Assesment of Strategy Use 70
CHAPTER 11 Vocabulary and Grammar 79
CHAPTER 12 Listening 85
CHAPTER 13 Reading 91
CHATTER 14 Speaking 100
CHAPTER 15 Writing 110
After word 117
Appendix A
Addresses of Major Publishers of Foreign language Materials 118
