THIS is the Best Book on Language Learning I've Ever Read: HERE'S WHAT IT SAYS

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the insightful book *The Loom of Language* by Frederic Bodmer, which explores the complexities of language learning. It highlights the advantage English speakers have in learning other European languages due to the shared roots in Germanic, Latin, and French. The speaker offers practical tips on how to learn multiple languages simultaneously, focusing on the importance of understanding particles, vocabulary, and historical language shifts. The video encourages viewers to explore efficient language learning strategies and considers how mastering related languages can simplify the process.

Takeaways

• 😀 The book 'The Loom of Language' by Frederic Bodmer, edited by Lancelot Hogben, is a cult classic among linguists, offering insightful perspectives on language learning.
• 😀 English has an advantage for language learners due to its roots in multiple languages, including Germanic, Latin, and French, making it easier to learn related languages.
• 😀 Despite English's rich vocabulary from Germanic roots, Latin and French words have significantly shaped the modern English language.
• 😀 English vocabulary is largely influenced by the Norman Conquest, which introduced many French words into the language, especially in law, science, and culture.
• 😀 English speakers have a natural advantage in learning European languages, particularly Germanic and Romance languages, due to shared roots and vocabulary.
• 😀 Learning a language effectively depends on your objective—whether it's basic conversation, reading proficiency, or bilingual fluency.
• 😀 The first step in learning a European language is to focus on particles (prepositions, conjunctions, adverbs), which form about 30-40% of any text and are essential for understanding context.
• 😀 Verbs are not the first priority for reading comprehension. Instead, focusing on particles and vocabulary is more efficient when learning to read a language.
• 😀 Learning multiple related languages at the same time is more efficient than learning them sequentially. This approach helps reinforce vocabulary and grammar across languages.
• 😀 Understanding language history, such as changes in word formation over time, helps learners identify and predict words in related languages, making multi-language study easier and more effective.
• 😀 The study of strong, irregular verbs in Germanic languages (like English, German, Dutch, and Danish) helps learners quickly recognize and use common verbs across these languages.

Q & A

What is the title of the book discussed in the script?

The book discussed is titled 'The Loom of Language' by Frederic Bodmer, edited by Lancelot Hogben.

Why is the book 'The Loom of Language' considered a cult classic among linguists?

The book is considered a cult classic because it offers a deep understanding of language origins and connections, and it presents language learning in a unique, insightful way.

What is the significance of the term 'bastard tongue' in the context of the English language?

The term 'bastard tongue' refers to the fact that English is a mix of multiple languages, mainly Germanic, Latin, and French, giving it a diverse linguistic heritage.

How does the Germanic origin of many English words help English speakers learn other languages?

Since English shares many words with Germanic languages, English speakers have a head start when learning other Germanic languages such as German, Dutch, and Scandinavian languages.

How do French and Latin words influence modern English vocabulary?

French and Latin have heavily influenced English vocabulary, particularly in areas like law, business, and science, as a result of the Norman conquests and continuous borrowing of terms over time.

What role do particles play in language learning according to Bodmer?

Particles, such as prepositions, conjunctions, and adverbs of time, are essential to learn first because they make up a large portion of texts (30-40%) and have fixed meanings that are crucial for understanding sentences.

Why does Bodmer recommend not focusing too much on verbs when starting to learn a language?

Bodmer suggests not focusing heavily on verbs at the start because verbs, especially irregular ones, are complex and not essential for basic understanding of texts. Instead, understanding particles and core vocabulary is more important for reading comprehension.

Can learning multiple related languages simultaneously be beneficial, according to Bodmer?

Yes, learning multiple related languages at the same time can be more efficient than learning them one by one. The overlap in vocabulary and grammar between languages like Spanish and Portuguese or Germanic languages makes it easier to grasp multiple languages simultaneously.

What is the advantage of studying the history and evolution of languages?

Studying the history of languages allows learners to recognize patterns, such as changes in pronunciation or word forms, which helps in predicting and understanding words across different languages, even if they seem unrelated at first.

How does Bodmer suggest English speakers can easily learn other Romance languages?

Bodmer suggests that English speakers have an advantage in learning Romance languages like French, Spanish, and Italian due to the shared Latin and French vocabulary in English, which makes it easier to recognize and understand words in these languages.