New straightforward, foolproof and fun way to learn a foreign language

(12/03/2008)

Tony Buzan, international memory guru and the brain behind Mind Maps®, has teamed up with bilingual dictionary experts Collins Publishers to unleash Language Revolution! – a straightforward, foolproof and FUN way to learn to speak French, Italian or Spanish.

Remember when learning a foreign language was a real drag? Memorising by rote, parroting phrases that seemed divorced from real life? No wonder so many Brits (in particular) have tried and failed to learn a new language – around 95% of us, according to research – giving us the dubious accolade of being the worst linguists in Europe.

It simply isn’t good enough any more to rely on the fact that most Europeans speak English. With an ever-increasing European Union, global expansion of business and holidays to all corners of the world, it is plain bad manners not to at least try to communicate in someone else’s language. However mangled, it is always appreciated - and definitely makes for much, much more fun!

For anyone who has tried and been discouraged at one time or another, Language Revolution! will come as a learning revelation. It will change everything you ever thought about how to pick up a new language, whether for holidays, business or self-improvement.

Language Revolution! is a brand new concept in language learning. A combination of book and two CDs – with 24/7 interactive online learning back-up - it combines the classic techniques of audio and visual learning with the power of the imaginative imagery and creativity of Mind Maps. Using this technique, anyone and everyone can learn a new language, no matter how many times they have tried before. What’s more, the learning processes set out in the book will sharpen your mind for anything else you wish to learn – and remember.

The intellectual powerhouse behind Language Revolution! is Tony Buzan - world renowned thinker, best-selling author and creator of Mind Mapping, which is now used by many hundreds of millions around the world to help unlock and expand the potential of their brain. High profile aficionados (Spanish, meaning ‘enthusiasts’) include Bill Gates and Al Gore, among hordes of other VIPs - on every continent.

Described as ‘the most powerful thinking tool of our time’, Mind Maps have proved a consistently reliable method of releasing creativity and aiding memory. In contrast to how many people think they should remember things – usually by laboriously memorising lists – Tony’s Mind Maps use the entire range of mental skills (word, image, number, logic, rhythm, colour and spatial awareness) to lock in those essential words and phrases that build up knowledge and understanding of a language.

Tony uses the ‘Twin Pillars’ of imagination and association to reinforce language learning. “The more you can imagine the images of the words and the pictures that represent those words, and then find links with things you know and the new words, the faster you can learn a language” he says.

The first and most inspiring aspect of this is the use of a ‘traffic light’ system for vocabulary. If anything is going to set a language novice on the right road, it is the knowledge that there are many words (anything up to 40% of a typical French, Italian or Spanish vocabulary) that look and mean much the same in the new language, as in English. The word ‘Cat’, for example, translates to gato in Spanish. Coloured GREEN for Go, these are immediately usable words – don’t even think about them, just get on and use them!

AMBER words (again, these represent 20 to 40% of the average vocabulary) give pause for thought, but only momentarily. These are those terms that seem familiar but which don’t mean exactly what first springs to mind. The text gives hints on how to associate amber words with English derivatives to fix the word in the memory. The French word vin (wine) for example, can be related to the English word ‘Vintner’ – a purveyor of wines.

The few remaining RED words are the unguessable sort. Standing out in startling red on the page makes them unmissable, and there are invaluable association pointers to help you remember them.

Tony explains: “Numbers and number sequences are traditionally difficult to assimilate. A helpful method is to invent a story or set of images to help you remember them, using English words. For example, the Italian for ‘forty’ is ‘quaranta’. You could think of ‘quarantine’ – meaning a 40-day period. If you can’t find the exact sound in English, use one that is close.”

Tony offers regular tips for reinforcing learning – anything from how often to revise (five times in six months to remember it forever!) to listening out for key words that will immediately give a useful pointer as to what the person is talking about.

The books are peppered with useful and amusing practice exercises (often to be undertaken in conjunction with the two CDs), and ‘Mental Gymnastics’ tests that stretch language understanding and flexibility – as well as building confidence in using just-learnt words in different contexts. ‘Number Tennis’, for instance, is a great way to get up to speed with figures. With a partner, say a number in the language you are studying – between 1 and 99. Your partner has to say the number that, added to yours, makes 100. He or she then ‘serves’ you a number for you to return.

“With a little practice, you’ll soon have your numbers at your fingertips. If you’d like an easier beginning, start with a total of 10, then progress to 20, etc.” says Tony.

At the end of each section, learners create their own Mind Map of the words and phrases they have just added to their vocabulary. Tony explains: “Mind Maps use words, colour, movement, imagery and association to help organise the volume of information into an easily recalled format. This, together with the Twin Pillars, is the secret of my method of language learning. It eliminates the worry of forgetting by putting words at your mental fingertips – ready for recall whenever you need them. This is a real Language Revolution!”

Initially available for Beginners in French, Italian or Spanish (an Intermediate level will be available in early 2009), Language Revolution! takes language learning to a completely new level.

Never has the process been simpler or more enjoyable – you are guaranteed to smile at the waiter’s increasingly bored voice as he asks his customer for the 25th time Qu’est ce que vous prenez? And of course, you can learn any time and anywhere to suit you. In just 1-2 hours a week, you will have the vocabulary and confidence to speak in a wide range of everyday situations.

Related categories:  Gift for grandparents   Gift for her   Gift for him   Gift for teenager   Travel gifts   Unusual gifts 

Print version | Email to a friend | View other articles