Shiv on Learning

Timothy Ferris, former content developer at Berlitz, author of the ‘The 4-Hour Work Week’ and self confessed language-addict, became fluent in German in just 10 weeks. He has achieved written and spoken fluency in 6 languages. In the bonus material that comes with this book he explains why language classes don’t work.

In brief:

• Teachers are viewed as saviors when materials are actually the determining factor.
• Classes move as slowly as the slowest student.
• Conversation can be learned but not taught.
• Teachers are often prescriptive instead of descriptive.
• To learn a language effectively: Make as many mistakes as possible in uncontrolled environments.