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Claire Handscombe
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Conquering Babel: A Practical Guide to Learning a Language Kindle Edition

by Claire Handscombe (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 29 ratings
This time you're really going to do it: learn a language.
Yes, but how? Where do you even start?

"Conquering Babel" points you to useful resources, gives you hints and tips for maximising your learning, and answers common questions like "do I really have to learn grammar?".

Recommended if you are thinking about starting to study a language and need some practical pointers as to how to go about it
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  1. Print length
    78 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    August 29, 2011
  5. File size
    217 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B005LBRBAA
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 29, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 217 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 78 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 29 ratings

About the author

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Claire Handscombe

Claire Handscombe

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Claire Handscombe moved from Europe to DC in 2012, ostensibly to study for an MFA in Creative Writing, but actually – let’s be honest – because of an obsession with The West Wing.

She is the author of Unscripted, a novel about a young woman with a celebrity crush and a determined plan, and the editor of Walk With Us: How The West Wing Changed Our Lives.

Claire also hosts the Brit Lit Podcast, a fortnightly show of news and views from British books and publishing. She can be found tweeting at @bookishclaire.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
29 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book to be a sensible introduction to language learning. They enjoy reading it.

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5 customers mention "Language learning"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to language learning, describing it as a sensible introduction to the subject. One customer notes that the concepts are not hard to follow, while another finds it a down-to-earth compendium.

"...It's a wonderful, down-to-earth compendium of what language tutors and learners need to think about as they set out on the quest to achieve fluency..." Read more

"...mentions of some websites she likes, a bit about the necessity of studying grammar, and more...." Read more

"I recommend it. Useful tips and arvices on hiw to organize your learning on your own or with a tutor." Read more

"...This is a must for someone starting a language course; even just for the "fun" of it without regard to social or economic advantages that..." Read more

4 customers mention "Enjoyment"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this little book.

"...It's a wonderful, down-to-earth compendium of what language tutors and learners need to think about as they set out on the quest to achieve fluency..." Read more

"...I enjoyed this little book, with good comments about goal setting, mentions of some websites she likes, a bit about the necessity of studying grammar..." Read more

"It's hard to complain about a book I got for free. This one is a great read and very interesting. I recommend it." Read more

"A book I just enjoyed...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Casablanc
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference for language tutors
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I downloaded this book when a director from my former company asked me to tutor her in Spanish for one hour a week. It's a wonderful, down-to-earth compendium of what language tutors and learners need to think about as they set out on the quest to achieve fluency in another language. It was especially helpful to me, in the role of tutor, to go about defining what my student's language goals are. I was able to search for a textbook that will best help us meet those goals, and come up with a tutoring syllabus for the year. I know I will look back to this book for additional help as the weeks go on--and I will need fresh ideas in coming up with sources of language input beyond the textbook!
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Zana Hart
    4.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable, motivational short read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    As an American who recently lived in Mexico for about five years, I have thought and blogged a lot about learning Spanish--as well as having worked on my own Spanish! I enjoyed this little book, with good comments about goal setting, mentions of some websites she likes, a bit about the necessity of studying grammar, and more. The author is clearly British and some of her references to the British educational system I didn't understand, but I did enjoy her wry British humor.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Szilagyi Mircea
    4.0 out of 5 stars A sensible introduction to language learning
    Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I recommend it. Useful tips and arvices on hiw to organize your learning on your own or with a tutor.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Ron Tissier
    5.0 out of 5 stars It is sometime beneficial to step back for perspective
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Although I am retired from teaching, I enjoyed and marveled at the author's clarity and brevity in his personal guide to learning a language. This is a must for someone starting a language course; even just for the "fun" of it without regard to social or economic advantages that the language might bring.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Nico Ives
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book I just enjoyed.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Why I liked this book, Because each chapter she broke down and explained how and what to do the easy steps. The steps she uses are not hard concepts to follow and I feel any one can pick up this book and feel after their done feel better they learned something great and new.
    One person found this helpful
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  • ACCER
    5.0 out of 5 stars Free
    Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    It's hard to complain about a book I got for free. This one is a great read and very interesting. I recommend it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • vir85
    5.0 out of 5 stars a good jump start.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2011
    Ever catch yourself in Ignorant status? Have you ever felt misunderstood or you don't understand? Do you want to raise the chances of avoiding alzheimers? Do you just want to look cool sometimes in front of colleagues and peers or impress that hot date?
    If you said yes to any of those question above then you need to LEARN ANOTHER LANGUAGE SILLY! I recommend this book, its inexpensive, it'll give you good praticals.
    6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant book to start learning
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 7, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This book contains all the essential informations to get started on a journey to learn languages. I bought it for my husband who wants to learn French and didn't know where to start. Claire gives practical tips and recommendations to get you on a journey that will hopefully last!
    Brilliant book! Easy to read and understand. Gets you motivated!
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  • Lily Marie
    4.0 out of 5 stars A nice little pocketbook written by someone who remembers what it felt like to be the student!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 19, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This is a very thin book but there is a lot of helpful advice inside. Obviously, due to the size of this book, it is not an in depth guide to language learning but it is a good starting point. The author manages to cover quite a lot of topics though and in quite a practical way. A very quick read but worth it I think.
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  • HappyLuckyAlix
    5.0 out of 5 stars well-written and full of useful strategies, information
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 2, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Thoughtful, well-written and full of useful strategies, information, recommendations and links for language learners. The author is a language tutor and clearly very professional, skilled and experienced juding by the content in this book. Unlike a lot of shorter Kindle self-help stuff which promise a lot and are basically a waste of time, this all killer, no filler and well worth paying for. I'd recommend to anyone, esp if like me you've been away from formal education for a while, or if language learning is new to you.
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  • Rachel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read, full of practical tips
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 6, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    As a French person who had to learn English, I know first hand the challenge of learning another language! I love this book, it is easy to read, full of practical tips, highly motivating and also full of fun comments from the author. Definitely great for any beginners and also people who shy from difficult academic books. There are also a simple glossary that helps to understand grammar and some recommended websites. Get it! It is a bargain!
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  • France
    5.0 out of 5 stars Solid and funny
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 18, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    As a language teacher myself, I was interested in this little gem of a book whose title appealed to me. It is full of solid, good advice for all those would-be linguists and its reading is made light by all the humorous comments that bring smiles and even laughs!
    Follow the author's advice and you will be well on the way to speaking the language of your choice.
    Report

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