Learn ANY Language

Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book, but I was in no other way urged or compensated to review.

I've read a number of books about language learning this year, and unfortunately this one fell a little short for me. Klimas' writing style is halting and reminded me of a blog post that was turned into a book. Also, as a long-time language learner, I disagreed with some of her recommendations; while I think context and vocabulary is important, Klimas refers to grammar as a “tool” that is secondary or tertiary.

A couple highlights for me:
- She focuses early in the book on active reading as a form of learning in context, which I also find to be useful
- “Realia” as reading material (e.g. plane tickets, subway signs, menus, etc.) because they're critical for surviving in a language and appropriate for all levels

I disagreed with Klimas on the past tense. Sure - many traditional language learners might be able to talk in the past tense about a subject but may not be able to easily communicate directions or how to get around. But first of all, in all of the foreign language classes I've taken, we've been taught how to order food, how to ask for directions, how to give directions, etc. So I'm not sure where she's encountering people in traditional learning settings who don't know those beginner-level items. Furthermore, she says the past tense is way too advanced and takes “years of study.” I strongly disagree. The reason I've progressed so quickly in French - besides having Spanish under my belt - is that I can easily use le passé composé and l'imparfait. Perhaps understanding how and when to use one over the other is what she's getting at, but it wasn't entirely clear. Knowing how to use the French past tense has made things much easier and has expanded my ability to communicate.

Anyway, I'd suggest reading this if you're into language learning books and resources. There are certainly some gems in here and will be focusing more on reading in context and “realia,” but some of these recommendations should be taken with a grain of salt.