Introduction
Cognita Linguae
A condensed guide for the modern learner of languages
So you’ve decided to learn a language
If you’re only going to read these first few sentences, here’s the secret to learning a language: know yourself and how you learn, involve others even if you’re shy, and be obsessed, no matter who you are, smart, dumb, rich, poor, you can learn a language. The pages that follow are a brief elaboration on this axium, interwoven with practical stories from me, a real life language learner.
In every social class, in every century, in every part of the world, people of various backgrounds have learned foreign languages. Yet, a glance back at the history of modern language reveals an ever-changing approach to this kind of learning. Before the industrial revolution, to gain currency in a second-language was often no big deal! People learning a new language could consider the undertaking as they would learning a trade: just a useful new skill set. In other cultures, multilingualism was a normal part of life, due to the close proximity or intermingling of other cultures and language groups. For centuries now, most representatives of humankind have spoken more than one language. The writing in this guide is based on the original and exceedingly valid ethos that says languages are for all.
This book takes a fresh look at the key tools and strategies for learning another language. I will focus only on what works in realistic scenarios, where it’s understood that language learning ambitions need to be tempered by concerns about time and money. For the first time in this literary niche, this guide will take a truly holistic and honest approach and briefly touch on elements of the entire philosophical, psychological and moral landscape of language learning. We shall not be limited by popular (mis)conceptions of what is and isn’t “socially acceptable” (see our section on the value of lying as an example!)
This book is pragmatic first and foremost. I wish to make these recommendations clear and accessible to the understanding of any reader. You can expect this guide to exude an underlying philosophy based in evidence from the newest and most robust studies in linguistics, and the experiences of a real language learner. I hope that you will benefit from a fresh, updated take on classic language learning hacks, and then enjoy cutting your teeth on the novel techniques I discuss uniquely in this guide.
How is this book organized?
This guide is divided into five chapters named after the five essential steps in any language learning journey. In Before Getting Started, I ask you to consider your mindset, as we delve into the crucial psychological and philosophical components of motivation and inspiration, and what is perhaps the most effective way to think about learning a language. Then, in Getting Started, you will find discussion of a variety of the best tools and strategies that you have to choose from in the 21st century. Next, in the chapter titled: Off With The Training Wheels, I talk about the day-to-day of an effective language learning routine; I will also touch on what a lesson can and needs to be for you to find success and actually enjoy yourself throughout the process. Finally, after a brief interlude to talk taboos in the Forbidden Knowledge chapter, we quickly go over Maintenance, and look at what consolidation and long-term proficiency looks like in the life of a happy language user.
For more information about this author, and Murex IT consultancy, please visit https://boutrouschalouhy.com/
