LibGuides: Online Book Display: Learn a Foreign Language

Select Books for Learn a Foreign Language Month

Books

Handbook of Foreign Language Communication and Learning by Karlfried Knapp & Barbara Seidlhofer, eds.
Call Number: e-book
Publication Date: 2009
This volume focuses on how far the policies, principles and practices of foreign language teaching and learning are, or can be, informed by theoretical considerations and empirical findings from the linguistic disciplines. Part I deals with the nature of foreign language learning in general, while Part II explores issues arising from linguistic, socio-political, cultural and cognitive perspectives. Part III and IV then consider the different factors that have to be taken into account in designing the foreign language subject and the various approaches to pedagogy that have been proposed.
Countdown to Spanish: Learn to Communicate in 24 Hours by Gail Stein
Call Number: e-book
Publication Date: 2004
Master Spanish in just one day. When time is of the essence, trust Countdown to Spanish to help readers master the language quickly and effectively. Organized into 24 units--each of which is designed to take no more than one hour to study--this self-instruction book presents material in a "countdown" fashion, from Hour 24 all the way down to 0, allowing learners to gauge their progress along the way. Beginning with a basic introduction of grammar and vocabulary fundamentals, the units move quickly to practical conversational skills for both vacation and business travelers.
Countdown to French: Learn to Communicate in 24 Hours by Gail Stein
Call Number: e-book
Publication Date: 2004
Master French in just one day. When time is of the essence, trust Countdown to French to help readers master the language quickly and effectively. Organized into 24 units--each of which is designed to take no more than one hour to study--this self-instruction book presents material in a "countdown" fashion, from Hour 24 all the way down to 0, allowing learners to gauge their progress along the way. Beginning with a basic introduction of grammar and vocabulary fundamentals, the units move quickly to practical conversational skills for both vacation and business travelers.
Easy Italian Step-By-Step by Paola Nanni-Tate
Call Number: e-book
Publication Date: 2008
Learn Italian step-by-step and soon you'll be making leaps and bounds. Your quickest route to learning Italian is through a solid grounding in grammar basics. You get an original, step-by-step approach to learning Italian based on the way people naturally acquire language. From the very beginning, you are introduced to the most essential structures--allowing you to communicate in Italian almost immediately. Gradually, through a series of interconnected "steps," you logically progress to more common concepts that govern how Italian is spoken and written.
Basic Japanese: Learn to Speak Japanese in 10 Easy Lessons by Samuel E. Martin & Eriko Sato
Call Number: e-book
Publication Date: 2017
Learn to speak Japanese in 10 easy lessons--with manga illustrations, engaging exercises, and practical conversations! This bestselling Japanese textbook is a user-friendly guide for beginners designed for use either in a classroom or self-study. With an emphasis on daily communication and acquiring a working knowledge of simple, often-used Japanese sentences, you can attain basic fluency quickly. This new edition has been thoroughly updated and expanded to reflect the way the language is actually spoken in Japan today, including essential vocabulary and phrases for modern life--like talking about social media and the internet.
Basic Mandarin Chinese: Speaking & Listening by Cornelius C. Kubler
Call Number: e-book
Publication Date: 2017
This is the complete beginning-level course for spoken Mandarin Chinese designed to have you speaking quickly and accurately! This series offers a complete introductory Chinese language course specifically designed for native English speakers. These books teach spoken and written Chinese separately, allowing you to focus on the area most important to you, and to learn the spoken and written forms of Chinese at different speeds depending on your available time and interest.
Basic Russian: A Grammar and Workbook by John Murray & Sarah Smyth
Call Number: e-book
Publication Date: 1999
Designed for students with a basic knowledge of Russian, this book provides an accessible reference grammar and related exercises in a single volume. Across more than forty grammar topics it introduces the student to Russian people and culture through the medium of the language used today, covering the core material which the student would expect to encounter in their first year of learning Russian. Complete with a full key to exercises and glossary, Basic Russianis a user-friendly reference grammar suitable for both independent study and class use.
Exploring the German Language by Sally Johnson & Natalie Braber
Call Number: e-book
Publication Date: 2008
If we want to understand how German speakers think about themselves and the world in which they live, then a useful place to begin is by looking at the language they use. This fully revised and updated edition provides a systematic approach to the study of the German language and an introduction to the social aspects of the language, including its dialects, its history and the uses of the language today. No previous knowledge of linguistics is assumed, and each chapter is accompanied by a series of practical exercises.
Hindi Flash Cards: Learn 1,500 Basic Hindi Words and Phrases Quickly and Easily! by Richard Delacy
Call Number: e-book
Publication Date: 2016
Hindi is the national language of India, one of the worlds largest and fastest growing countries. Flash cards are an excellent language learning tool. This comprehensive set of flash cards is designed for students, travelers and anyone who wants to learn Hindi. This kit is one of the best ways to learn to read and recognize Hindi words, learn new vocabulary and review and reinforce what you know already. The Hindi Flash Cards Kit has a full range of features designed to help beginning and intermediate learners.
Thirteen Ways to Make a Plural: Preparing to Learn Arabic by Jacob Halpin
Call Number: e-book
Publication Date: 2020-
An essential guide for anyone seeking to learn Arabic, including tips and tricks to make the process more productive. Arabic is one of the world's most complex and fascinating languages, but many students dive into it without first understanding what they are aiming for, much less knowing how they will get there. Thirteen Ways to Make a Plural provides essential guidance on making a success of learning Arabic, drawing on the author's personal experience of having been there and done it, along with the insights and advice of countless other students and teachers.

Learn a Foreign Language Month

Most people learn a second language while in school. They may not be proficient in the language, especially if they do not have the opportunity to speak conversationally in that language. However, the opportunity to learn another language comes with many benefits.

It improves your understanding of your native language.
Your understanding of other cultures improves.
Your confidence improves.
Job opportunities improve.
It makes travel easier in countries where the new language is spoken.

Learning a new language also provides a boost to our brains by improving memory, creativity, attention span, and reducing cognitive decline. It's never too late to learn a new language. However, it is easier the earlier you start. That also means children tend to master a second language faster than adults.

source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/learn-a-foreign-language-month-december/