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Index
Cover
Contents
Title
Copyright
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: Why learn a language?
Reasons for learning a language
Chapter 2: Preparation
Using your time well
You will be your own teacher
Choosing a language
Setting goals
Chapter 3: Choosing your tools
Recorded language courses
Textbooks
Dictionaries
Phrasebooks
Cassettes, CDs and MP3s
Reading for pleasure
Internet
Radio and television
Flashcards
Notebooks
Studying at school or for an examination
Tools: a summary
Chapter 4: Getting started
Learn how to read the language
Learning from your textbooks
Using the phrasebook
Using your notebooks
The 80/20 rule
Choose your vocabulary
Formal or informal
Alphabet
Bribe yourself
Chapter 5: Make your own survival course
Chapter 6: Learning a different alphabet or writing system
When the alphabet or writing system is entirely different
Transliteration
Learn to recite the alphabet
Chapter 7: Using a dictionary
Chapter 8: Recorded material
Imitate the music of the language
Complete language courses
Other recorded material
Chapter 9: Vocabulary
The fast way to a huge vocabulary
Active learning
Other ways to learn vocabulary
Learning a language is more than vocabulary
Chapter 10: Your plan
First day
Second day
Third and fourth days
Fifth and sixth days
Seventh day
Week two
Weeks three and four
Week five or six
Chapter 11: Using ‘lost’ time
What is lost time?
Taking time from other activities
Learning on the job
Chapter 12: Enjoy light reading
Comics
Jokes and joke books
Books, magazines and newspapers
Reading materials on the internet
Chapter 13: Language classes
Formal lessons are a form of self-discipline
Getting the most out of your language class
Finding the right language class
Chapter 14: Meeting people
Meeting native speakers
Attending functions
Making friends
Visit the country
Get out into your local community
Don’t worry about making mistakes
Chapter 15: Grammar
The importance of grammar
A simple grammar lesson
Putting grammar into practice
Chapter 16: Plan your own immersion program
The benefits of immersion days
Preparing for an immersion day
Suggested plan
Immersion-day outings
Mini–immersion days
Chapter 17: What if you just don’t feel like it?
Your contingency plan
Discouragement
Chapter 18: Using the internet
Getting started: using search engines
Language courses on the internet
Online dictionaries
Online reading materials
Web translations
Internet radio
Audio files
Video files
Shopping for language tools online
Language course websites
Chapter 19: Advice for school and university students
Learning ancient languages
Chapter 20: Language addicts
Chapter 21: How to make a comeback
Afterword
Appendix A: Model survival course
Appendix B: Language websites
Index
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