If you’re thinking of beginning a new language, or an intermediate-advanced learner wanting to take it further, should you kit yourself out with one or more language textbooks (either a physical book or structured course available in electronic form)?
On this site I frequently mention what books I’m using to learn my languages. However, other language learners who are successful provide these textbooks in formal format as well as online classes a broad berth. They may prefer “authentic” material (aimed at native speakers) or simply download the dictionary or app to translate start right away and begin to speak. In fact, there are some compelling arguments against learning courses that you should take into consideration. Let’s look at them in one by one, and then all in a group. Let’s address the question: Language textbooks: good or not?
Textbooks on language are boring and boring…
….they concentrate too much upon dry grammar cryptic explanations, endless exercises, and dull text. This is why many students fall victim to “chapter three syndrome”. When they begin a new language, they’re with a lot of enthusiasm, but when they reach chapter three in the book it’s too late and they quit. It’s more enjoyable to begin “living with the new language” as soon as you start.
Yes, but…. You must first determine your motivation!
….of of course, some textbooks look shabby and boring, but keep in mind the old adage that you shouldn’t judge the cover of a book. If you’re enthusiastic about studying – and you’re a kind of person, you could discover that even the oldest textbooks have lots to provide. When the motivation level drops off at chapter 3, is it is really the fault of the book?
Before you embark on learning your new language, determine your motives. It’s all about considering what you truly want to master the language and what you’ll need the language to do and if your motives are solid enough to get you to the end destination (whether you want to buy drinks on holiday or work as an interpreter for conferences).
The ability to not lose motivation is about having a realistic understanding of the work required in terms of effort and time spent dealing through the swings and valleys that come with getting to your goals.
Be aware that having overall and motivational goals is well and good , but it could, in turn cause depression and a sense of overwhelm.
The process of breaking down a huge “vision” target into smaller “path” goals makes it much easier to stick with large tasks.
ELT textbooks can be a source of motivation since they lay out the path ahead.
You could set the goal of completing one chapter per week and then completing the entire book in one year, or what ever. There’s a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment after you’ve accomplished this. You’re then proud to begin the next book (when you’ll also be able to take advantage of the deferred gratification of waiting for gratification and indulge in your impulsive consumer inclinations) and again.
For those who are concerned about the “grammar” question: Different textbooks in the field of language take different methods of instructing the students about the language. Some of them are heavily grammar-based. The textbooks of the past usually utilized a grammar-translation approach. There were audio-visual or audio-lingual classes and books that focused on pragmatic communication. The more contemporary the text is, the more emphasis is placed on the grammar within the context of different texts varieties.
Even in “modern books” certain authors choose to “teach” the structures before giving a dialogue or passage. Other books will include the dialogue at the beginning of each chapter and suggest that you do a little work prior to jumping right into the explanation (the “discovery technique”).
The amount of instructional explanations can differ. For instance, the Assimil textbooks, as an instance tend to allow the grammar unfold and provide the explanation in the lightest of ways.
Some classes focus specifically on structures and teach narrow vocabulary. Some courses will throw a lot of words at you. Some books will contain a ton of exercises. Others won’t.
Language textbooks help you learn a language you’ll never need…
The textbooks for language are detached from reality. On one hand, they’re packed with out-of-date or low-frequency words or expressions you’d never require in actual life: “the pen of my aunt “….”my hovercraft is filled with Eels “….
Even if the book is innovative and attempting to be trendy and relevant for the beginner level, examples of texts are usually reduced to the point that they appear artificial.
There’s more to it than simplification. examples of the language will often use grammar rules introduced in the chapter but at the expense of authenticity. Better to find explanations of the structures you encounter them in real everyday life, and search for terms when you require them.
The fact that they are written could result in something more coherent and complete than the kind of language you’d encounter in the real world. Natural spoken language with a lot of false beginnings of incomplete phrases repetition as well as “fillers” (such like “um…ah …”know what I refer to as “um…ahhhhh”). ?”).
Yes but….simplification can help at first
While some languages will appear to be fake in the initial stages but there’s something to advocated for taking things one step at a time , and simplicing your learning can aid with that…provided you’re able to progress into “real” language at the right time (and it could occur either later or earlier ….it will depend on).
The coursebooks will take your time away from authentic interactions to the culture…
Engaging in a serious way using a textbook takes some time. It’s time that you could spend learning more words and vocabulary (for instance, with flashcards) and gaining a lot more information (listening as well as reading) or even trying to learn to speak the language (for instance, by participating in an exchange with a native speaker or working one on one with a teacher (perhaps online) using Google translate on screen). )…
On the other hand, ….sometimes having to learn something is more efficient.
When you are beginning to learn a particular language the beginning, books can help you build a bridge.
Once you’ve established a foundation on which to build, you will be able to make better use of your time watching videos and listening to podcasts talking to people.
For vocab development Where are you planning to find the words for flashcards? Would it be more effective to “mine” the text you’ve come through as part of a well-thought out staged learning program provided by a textbook that is well-designed?
If you’re trying to learn a new foreign language, it doesn’t mean you need to make a fresh start or rely on luck
This is something that a lot of us, who are so unique, aren’t likely to like to be told in regards to me and you and your language development in general, we all require the identical language.
At the beginning of our journey, we must learn the most common concepts and terms and to employ these in the more common situations in our lives. We must supplement these with specific phrases to our particular circumstances, such as discussing specific aspects of our motivations to learn, the professional vocabulary and jargon associated with our work or hobbies. Why do we gather the fundamental core through random exposure? Course creators are aware of what’s required and then have it all in one place to us, and with a the system.
This is not only for students. At an intermediate level there are still high-frequency words and structures that can be taught in a systematic manner and which everyone should have.
For the more advanced levels, things can change.
Yes, there are the outskirts of grammar to learn, and textbooks may help you with a systematic review of concepts that you might have missed.
There’s a second thing to consider: at the advanced stage you must be able to communicate not only about higher-frequency topics or about your own personal hobbies. There’s a wide variety of topics and situations that an educated and mature person who speaks a language must be proficient in linguistics to handle.
Textbooks that are authentic (with audio) that cover a broad range of topics, even ones that you would not search for or thought of will help you develop your fluency and general proficiency by presenting them in this manner. These are topics that you’ll be able read and discuss at the level of your native language. It is recommended to achieve the same level in the language you’re studying and if you’re really looking for the highest level of proficiency. Therefore, don’t be upset with me, if the subject is the production and history of chocolate within my Basque upper-intermediate text.