Includes bibliographical references (p. [179]-182).

"Breaking the Language Barrier combines sophisticated analysis of the language learning process with practical guidelines for individual learning strategies. Filled with real-world examples an written with humor and compassion, it is an invaluable resource for anyone wrestling with learning a foreign language." (Book Cover)

CONTENTS:

Preface

Foreword

Acknowledgments

1. Can I learn a foreign language?
Many people have experienced frustration and failure trying to learn a foreign language. Languages are important for building international awareness.
What is involved in learning a foreign language?
Successful learning is possible if you understand the process and create your own preferred pathway to proficiency.

2. How babies learn to talk
How do little children learn to talk in the first place?
What can a foreign language learner gain from those insights?

3. What children can teach us
Why are children so adept at learning a foreign language?
Why do adults seem to find foreign language learning so difficult?

4. Using your brain power
What do we know about human learning processes that can help you to tackle a foreign language?
Does "intelligence" make any difference?
Can you "superlearn" a second language?
Why do you forget things and how can you keep from forgetting what you learn in a second language?

5. Strategies for success
People exhibit wide variation in problem-solving and cognitive styles.
How can a knowledge of your cognitive styles help you to create your pathway to success?
Does left- and right-brain functioning, for example, make a difference?

6. I'm OK - I can do it!
Self-confidence is a key to successful language learning.
How do inhibitions and anxieties prevent you from learning a foreign language?
Can you make a "game" of language learning?
How is motivation a key to success and how can you create motivation if it isn't there?
It's important to set goals for yourself.

7. Joining the language club
How is learning a foreign language like joining a club?
Can you cope with a second identity that is attached to your foreign language?
How do language and culture interact with each other?
In what way does foreign language learning also involve culture learning?

8. Making your mistakes work for you "Goofing" is an important and necessary aspect of learning a foreign language.
Where do your mistakes come from?
How can you make them work for you rather than against you?

9. Choosing your classroom method
Recent innovative methods of teaching foreign languages give options to language learners.
How can you choose from among some of these creative alternatives?
This chapter offers a list of criteria for a good language course which can help you to choose the best class for your needs.

10. Creating your own pathway Five self-tests of cognitive styles and preferences (see Appendix) are interpreted, with suggestions about the implications for your own language learning process. A twelve-step program for better language learning will help you to create your own pathway to success.

Appendix

Endnotes

Index