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445 reviews for:
Fluent Forever: How to Learn Any Language Fast and Remember It Forever
Gabriel Wyner
4.08 AVERAGE
445 reviews for:
Fluent Forever: How to Learn Any Language Fast and Remember It Forever
Gabriel Wyner
4.08 AVERAGE
funny
informative
fast-paced
informative
funny
informative
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
Very useful, especially if you are just starting out learning. Some tips feel kind of common sense--like starting by learning pronunciation--and some of the resources are outdated by now, which of course isn't the author's fault. I think it's a good starting point if you've never studied a language before and don't know how to begin, and outdated or not, it's packed with resources, which is absolutely vital for anyone studying on their own.
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
This is the most practical guide I have found in the genre of language learning, and I have read a lot in this area. Gabriel Wyner combines best practices in memory retention with those in the domain of language learning. He provides resources and step-by-step instructions on how to use online and offline resources to the best effect.
The key elements of the system are: 1) Learn pronunciation first and learn it well. Use "minimal pairs" or words that differ by one sound to learn how to recognize and produce sounds in the target language that are not familiar. Don't settle for a "good enough" English approximation. The pronunciation of pin and pen are not the same. I wish I had done this when I was first learning French. The difference between prénom and prenons is subtle but important. Good pronunciation greatly facilitates learning vocabulary, oral comprehension, and it might help you strike up a conversation without a local immediately switching to English the moment they hear your American accent. 2) Learn vocabulary but don't translate. Try from the beginning to learn words and phrases in a way that links spelling and sound with a visual image and a memorable personal connection, but not the English equivalent. 3) Use flashcards and a "spaced repetition system" to form more durable memory easily. This process is thoroughly explained in the book along with tools to make it easy using the Internet. 4) Practice regularly. If full immersion is not feasible, use online tools to connect with native speakers, watch TV and movies, and read material in the language.
Since Wyner's method differs from most packaged courses in some key respects, I encourage you to read Fluent Forever before tackling a new language. I will be trying this method on my next project, learning Italian.
The key elements of the system are: 1) Learn pronunciation first and learn it well. Use "minimal pairs" or words that differ by one sound to learn how to recognize and produce sounds in the target language that are not familiar. Don't settle for a "good enough" English approximation. The pronunciation of pin and pen are not the same. I wish I had done this when I was first learning French. The difference between prénom and prenons is subtle but important. Good pronunciation greatly facilitates learning vocabulary, oral comprehension, and it might help you strike up a conversation without a local immediately switching to English the moment they hear your American accent. 2) Learn vocabulary but don't translate. Try from the beginning to learn words and phrases in a way that links spelling and sound with a visual image and a memorable personal connection, but not the English equivalent. 3) Use flashcards and a "spaced repetition system" to form more durable memory easily. This process is thoroughly explained in the book along with tools to make it easy using the Internet. 4) Practice regularly. If full immersion is not feasible, use online tools to connect with native speakers, watch TV and movies, and read material in the language.
Since Wyner's method differs from most packaged courses in some key respects, I encourage you to read Fluent Forever before tackling a new language. I will be trying this method on my next project, learning Italian.
funny
informative
reflective
I'm currently majoring in Linguistics and have a decent foundational knowledge in the field. This book is still helpful for me, so I'm positive that it'll be useful for most people. In a time period where we have nearly infinite resources (and an infinite amount of horrible ones) to learn languages, it becomes incredibly hard to know where to start and what will actually be helpful in the process. Wyner cuts a lot of the fat and makes a very straightforward case for his method. Even if you choose not to use his exact methodology, there is likely something you will take away that will improve your learning method of choice.
My main criticism is that I feel as though his app was marketed relatively heavy, but I can understand that and he provides alternatives that functionally do the same thing as his app. He also had quite a lot of advice related to usage of AI, and while I largely found the instances he invokes AI to be worthwhile, I would still lean towards the side of caution when aiming to get information out of LLM's.
My main criticism is that I feel as though his app was marketed relatively heavy, but I can understand that and he provides alternatives that functionally do the same thing as his app. He also had quite a lot of advice related to usage of AI, and while I largely found the instances he invokes AI to be worthwhile, I would still lean towards the side of caution when aiming to get information out of LLM's.
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Much of the book boils down to “use Anki,” but if you’ve never tried to teach yourself a language, this gives you a solid framework