The 23 April 2017 is World Book and Copyright Day. To mark this occasion, I’ve decided to share with you my 5 favourite books that I think you should read if you want to become a more effective language learner.
I’ve also made a video in which I share some extra details about the books. Make sure you watch it as well and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel:
Are you ready to look at the 5 books every language learner should read? Let’s get started!
1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Why should language learners read it? This book teaches you how to be effective in any area of your life. It applies to language learning as well.
The book contains very practical strategies for how you can maximise your time and focus on what matters now to make the most impact, and eliminate distraction and procrastination.
I’m certainly going to re-read this book periodically throughout my life.
2. Talk Like Ted
What is it? A write-up of what we know about the best TED talks and their speakers’ techniques by Carmine Gallo.
Why should language learners read it? Language learners will find this book useful because of the practical advice on what techniques will make you an exceptional public speaker.
Practising public speaking is a great way of developing your confidence, which will in turn affect how good you are when interacting with people in your target language.
3. Daring Greatly
What is it? An exploration of vulnerability and courage by Brene Brown.
Why should language learners read it? Learning to have courage and to be vulnerable is a key element of language learning success. Whenever you speak – regardless of your level – you take a risk and so you make yourself vulnerable.
The natural reaction many of us have is to fight vulnerability by trying to appear perfect. But vulnerability doesn’t have to be a weakness – it’s what allows you to build your confidence when speaking foreign languages, and ultimately – make progress.
4. The Power of Now
What is it? An exploration of what it means to be living truly in the present by Eckhart Tolle.
Why should language learners read it? The book explores the idea of ‘the now’ being the only thing that’s real. When learning a foreign language, it’s easy to focus on the future a lot – wanting to be fluent or perfect – and not enough on what you know right now.
Learning to live in the present will help you enjoy and celebrate your existing knowledge of the language you’re learning, and help you feel less anxious about your apparent lack of progress.
5. Thinking, Fast and Slow
What is it? An explanation of how our brains make judgements and decisions by Daniel Kahneman.
Why should language learners read it? It’s a fantastic exploration of what influences our thought process in different situations, such as meeting new people.
Language learners will find the theory behind it interesting because it can be applied to their own interactions with people from different countries and cultures. It will help you understand how impressions (both good and bad!) are made and what you can do to influence it…
What’s your favourite book? Share it in the comments below!