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The trouble with language textbooks | ||
Tags: Usefulness | Textbooks | ||
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 Language Learning Forum : Language Programs, Books & Tapes |  | |
| CaitO'Ceallaigh Triglot Senior Member United States katiekelly.wordpress Joined 6651 days ago 795 posts - 829 votes  Speaks: English*, Spanish, Russian Studies: Czech, German | Message 25 of 52 05 February 2008 at 11:33am | IP Logged | ||
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Don't argue with these people. It's clear that there are certain list members who might be brilliant at learning languages, but need a place to vent their frustrations. Just take what they say that's useful and ignore the rest.
I agree with what atamagaii says about textbooks. I haven't tried learning languages by his method, though, but I would like to try one day. Truly, I think it is probably because I am not smart enough. I like textbooks when they are funny. They keep me interested. Dry, boring textbooks I cannot handle. But I've learned a lot of Spanish, for example, simply by reading. For me, this also entails looking up a lot of words. It takes some effort, but it's a great way to boost one's vocabulary. 1 person has voted this message useful | |||
| aru-aru Triglot Senior Member Latvia Joined 6251 days ago 244 posts - 331 votes Speaks: Latvian*, English, Russian | Message 26 of 52 05 February 2008 at 4:10pm | IP Logged | ||
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I do not see why all the textbooks should be considered useless. For example, I have this one rather average beginners textbook called Speedup Chinese 速成汉语, that has nice, rather long (for a total beginner) dialogues. The text is given in characters, has pronouncation of every line written atop of it, and english - underneath. Comes with good quality recording, reasonable speed audio. Has vocabulary lists for the texts and a short grammar explanation for difficult parts. Also has a good in-built system of using the vocabulary over and over again in later topics. So whats wrong with it? At which point does it insult my or anyone elses intelligence? It's a lovely graded book for listening-reading like approach. Put the CD on, and follow the lines! You get the pronounciation in front of you (no unabridged chinese novel will have this), and get to start with something simple. Oh well, i guess we can't all like the same things.
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| tmesis Senior Member Mayotte Joined 6442 days ago 154 posts - 146 votes Speaks: English* | Message 27 of 52 05 February 2008 at 4:21pm | IP Logged | ||
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- Edited by tmesis on 17 February 2008 at 2:12pm 1 person has voted this message useful | |||
| CaitO'Ceallaigh Triglot Senior Member United States katiekelly.wordpress Joined 6651 days ago 795 posts - 829 votes Speaks: English*, Spanish, Russian Studies: Czech, German | Message 28 of 52 05 February 2008 at 4:30pm | IP Logged | ||
Say, you wouldn't happen to use the IPA, would you? You know, I do think you're on to something. I never started learning a language this way, but maybe I should. 1 person has voted this message useful | |||
| tmesis Senior Member Mayotte Joined 6442 days ago 154 posts - 146 votes Speaks: English* | Message 29 of 52 05 February 2008 at 4:44pm | IP Logged | ||
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- Edited by tmesis on 17 February 2008 at 2:12pm 1 person has voted this message useful | |||
| atamagaii Senior Member Anguilla Joined 6000 days ago 181 posts - 195 votes Speaks: Apache* | Message 30 of 52 06 February 2008 at 12:46am | IP Logged | ||
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I'd rather have a dry wit than be dry as dust. It's a matter of time rather than wits. I cannot afford to wait five years to read a novel, I want to do it straight away. I've never been interested in languages, tinkering with them, or playing with an idea of becoming a polyglot, finding it rather futile.
I have nothing against textbooks or anyone in particular, if you're happy with them, be happy. My idea of happiness is simply different. Not better, not worse, my own. I do not expect anyone to be happy my way. I'm not filled with missionary zeal, the only mission I'm aware of is the mission-ary position. As I said before, I don't mind courses. My favourite being ITNER-COURSE.The best way of achieving fluency in any language. Put your tongue into practice. And your first favourite organ. Edited by atamagaii on 06 February 2008 at 2:12am 1 person has voted this message useful | |||
| atamagaii Senior Member Anguilla Joined 6000 days ago 181 posts - 195 votes Speaks: Apache* | Message 31 of 52 06 February 2008 at 7:56am | IP Logged | ||
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It would be unfair to say that ALL textbooks are a waste of time. I've seen a few worth reading. Perhaps they are for a happy few, but....
Here are some texts from a textbooks for beginners learning English. They are by Leon Leszek Szkutnik.
Here's another example from Lipson and Molinsky - A Russian Course: stultorum.pochta.ru/aaaa/Lipson i Molinsky - A Russian Course Udarniki.JPG Edited by atamagaii on 06 February 2008 at 7:58am 1 person has voted this message useful | |||
| tmesis Senior Member Mayotte Joined 6442 days ago 154 posts - 146 votes Speaks: English* | Message 32 of 52 06 February 2008 at 9:21am | IP Logged | ||
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- Edited by tmesis on 17 February 2008 at 2:12pm 1 person has voted this message useful |
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