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A review by sarahtonin_
Becoming Fluent: How Cognitive Science Can Help Adults Learn a Foreign Language by Roger Kreuz, Richard Roberts
3.0
2020 non fiction book 6 out 12
Becoming Fluent was an informative and interesting book about language learning for adults backed up by cognitive science.
For some background to my experience, I have been learning French for 5 years. Throughout the way I have discovered things that have worked, andmany that haven't. It was really interesting to discover the science behind why that may have been.
One of my biggest takeaways from this book was the difference between how adults and children learn languages. I know I have fallen prey to the mode of thinking 'I'm too old to learn a new language' or 'if only I was raised bilingual- too late now'. But really, that is an excuse for a lack of commitment and effort. While it is easier for children to pick up certain aspects of language learning- it is never too late. The biggest problem however, is learning that new language as if you are were a child. Instead, you should utilise the skills you have as an adult and apply that into your learning endeavours. As an adult, you have greater knowledge of how language works, and it is much easier to make associations between languages.
I really appreciated the science and studies included that backed up the authors in this book. I haven't read any other linguistic books, but I can imagine the genre has its fair share of 'this worked for me- it will work for you too!' However, it felt more academic than actionable. I would have preferred there to be more practical tips included, or perhaps for them to be condensed at the end of each chapter in a clearer way.
As a young adult, I found myself to be outside of this book's target audience. I think it would be much more beneficial for middle aged adults who have previously learned and forgotten languages. That being said, while I will not necessarily take many tips from the book in the long run, it did make me much more excited to keep learning french and (hopefully) become fluent. Overall, I would recommend this if you need a bit of motivation, but not necessarily if you want a book with actionable tips to improve.
Becoming Fluent was an informative and interesting book about language learning for adults backed up by cognitive science.
For some background to my experience, I have been learning French for 5 years. Throughout the way I have discovered things that have worked, andmany that haven't. It was really interesting to discover the science behind why that may have been.
One of my biggest takeaways from this book was the difference between how adults and children learn languages. I know I have fallen prey to the mode of thinking 'I'm too old to learn a new language' or 'if only I was raised bilingual- too late now'. But really, that is an excuse for a lack of commitment and effort. While it is easier for children to pick up certain aspects of language learning- it is never too late. The biggest problem however, is learning that new language as if you are were a child. Instead, you should utilise the skills you have as an adult and apply that into your learning endeavours. As an adult, you have greater knowledge of how language works, and it is much easier to make associations between languages.
I really appreciated the science and studies included that backed up the authors in this book. I haven't read any other linguistic books, but I can imagine the genre has its fair share of 'this worked for me- it will work for you too!' However, it felt more academic than actionable. I would have preferred there to be more practical tips included, or perhaps for them to be condensed at the end of each chapter in a clearer way.
As a young adult, I found myself to be outside of this book's target audience. I think it would be much more beneficial for middle aged adults who have previously learned and forgotten languages. That being said, while I will not necessarily take many tips from the book in the long run, it did make me much more excited to keep learning french and (hopefully) become fluent. Overall, I would recommend this if you need a bit of motivation, but not necessarily if you want a book with actionable tips to improve.