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Why You Need a Foreign Language - and How to Learn One: English Speaking Professionals and the Global Challenge [Paperback]

Edward Trimnell (Author)
Price: £10.95 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
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Book Description

Publication Date: 14 May 2003 | ISBN-10: 1591133343 | ISBN-13: 978-1591133346
What are the commercial and political costs of Americans' monolingualism? In what ways can a foreign language improve your career prospects? How can you begin today to learn Spanish, French, Japanese, or another second language of your choice?

These are the topics that Edward Trimnell explores in Why You Need a Foreign Language—and How to Learn One. Ed has used foreign languages extensively in the real world—as a translator/interpreter, and then as an international buyer and sales representative.

This book consists of two parts. First, it is a call to action. For too many years, Americans and other native English speakers have ignored the strategic advantages that can be gained from knowing other languages. This book explains why we need to learn other languages, from business, social, and political perspectives. As explained within, the vague promises of "global English" will never be enough.

Secondly, this book contains the facts that you need to begin studying a foreign language. Ed’s approach is targeted to the working professional who wants to learn though self-study. You will also find out how to apply your new language skills in your career.

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› Visit Amazon's Edward Trimnell Page
Edward Trimnell
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Product Description

From the Author

I wrote this book as a motivational/informational text for native English-speakers who are contemplating foreign language study. Some of the key points discussed in the book include:

-The economic and political ramifications of American monolingualism

-The truth and the hype about global English

-The advantages of knowing a foreign language in the international business environment

-Using your foreign language skills to further your career

-A brief introduction to the major languages of the world; the languages that are the most advantageous for businesspersons and other professionals

-Techniques and advice for learning languages: grammar, vocabulary, etc.

-Tackling dialects and regionalisms

-The "Language Student's Buying Guide," my reviews of some major language study tools available on the market

I have worked extensively with foreign languages in the workplace since the late 1980s, as a translator, export sales representative, and international buyer. The material in this book is drawn from more than 15 years of research and hands-on experience.

My hope is that this book will give you the motivation and practical knowledge that you need to learn a foreign language, and then use your new skills to the maximum advantage.

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Customer Reviews

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com: 4.6 out of 5 stars  5 reviews
23 of 25 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars An Insightful Look at Languages and Language Studies 22 Oct 2003
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Mr. Trimnell's main thesis is that English-speakers (and Americans in particular) have voluntarily placed themselves in a position of disadvantage by neglecting to learn other languages. He backs up his position with some convincing data from the worlds of politics and business. There are a few points that he argues a bit too strongly, but his basic arguments are solid.

While other Americans are trying to get everyone else to learn English, Trimnell is basically stating that by relying on the linguistic skills of educated speakers in other countries, we are allowing a small group of foreign voices to shape our insights into other cultures. (As a woman who has done business in Japan and elsewhere in Asia, I can attest that this point of his argument hits the nail on the head.)

As Trimnell says, many Japanese businesspersons can learn about the U.S. market by reading publications written for Americans. American executives, on the other hand, are not able to easily gather information about the Japanese market. Mr. Trimnell also points out that while many people in the world speak a little English, only the educated elite are truly fluent. This has ramifications for tourists and businesspersons alike.

The book also includes some useful tips about how to learn a language. Some of Mr. Trimnell's suggestions are quite helpful, although he stops short of laying out an entire program.(I would have liked to have seen just a bit more detail in this area.)

Additionally, the author discusses some of the major world languages, and their usefulness to businesspersons.

A pretty insightful and useful book, all in all.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding! 23 Aug 2003
By Randy - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
This little book presents a great case for anyone who is seeking to further their career or just seeking personal enrichment to acquire at least one additional language. The author also debunks the myth of the univerality of English. The book is full of information on the importance of learning a second langage, the most sought after languages by global employers, the relative difficulty of learning each by english speakers, the types of materials that are best for learning them, how to find these materials, and internet sites of news for listening to and for reading almost every language under the sun. All in all this is a must buy for anyone contemplating picking up one or more additional langages on their own for what ever reason. It is a bargain at the price so just get it!
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Debunking! Should be required reading 18 Oct 2004
By PennsylvaniaMartha - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am happy to finally read a book debunking the myth that learning a foreign language no longer makes sense for Americans (or Brits, or Australians) because "everybody" speaks English nowadays. Even as a mere tourist, I was told repeatedly before a trip to Paris that "everybody there speaks English" and that I would never need to use my beginning French. Wrong, wrong, wrong! Try losing your passport in the airport, as I did, and trying to negotiate what steps to take next, without knowing French. Thankfully, my far-more-fluent brother was with me, or I might still be there!

However, this book is directed mostly at professionals and businesspeople and at those aspiring to such careers. I think this book should be required reading for high school freshmen who hope to take part in the global economy, so they can get started on choosing and learning one or more foreign languages without further delay. This book provides the information needed to help students decide which language to pursue; it also provides a real motivation to study seriously.

But this book is more than a debunker and a motivator. It is filled with practical tips for language-learning and key pointers (it is a rare language book that tells you bluntly that knowing "a little bit" of a language will be of no use at all for business purposes and that you will have to work hard and long to achieve the necessary proficiency). And I appreciated the succinct writing style -- there is very little of the usual banter or other padding here. This book is exactly as long as it needs to be.

I recommend this book for businesspeople, for future businesspeople, and for anyone who is intrigued by languages but wonders if it still makes sense to study them in the 21st century. It is also a great help to those who already plan to, or have already started, studying a language but who would like some guidance as to the best way to proceed and the best materials to purchase. Excellent book!
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