A Spymaster's Secrets of Learning a Foreign Language

by Graham E. Fuller

All the tips and techniques Fuller discovered during his overseas organized, simplified, and presented here to facilitate your language acquisition. Whether learning in a class or on your own, A Spymaster's Secrets of Learning a Foreign Language will be your guide to success, allowing you to discover the joy of communicating within a different culture. His humorous anecdotes and cultural insights will enrich your experience.

Genres: Audiobook, Language, Nonfiction

Audible Audio

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Graham Fuller is an author and a political analyst. He has worked for the United States Central Intelligence Agency, the National Intelligence Council, and Rand Corporation.

Reviews

[HEATHER · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the book is a little dated, it does contain some good strategies as set forth by the author. It's important to not get sidelined by the the old tech methods suggested, but rather concentrate on how you can make the tips relevant to what we have available currently.
It's a quick and easy read. I feel like it's more for people who are a little overwhelmed by the whole language learning process, than for people who have proven language learning systems in place.
The author is clear and to the point concerning the methods that worked for him. The explanations are easy to understand and offer a decent overview of what to expect on your language learning journey.

[Cherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. It was a quick read so at least I didn't waste much time, but honestly, all of it seemed like common sense to me. Maybe if you haven't tried to study a language before (or at least, not in a long time) or if you've never actually considered it from a methodical perspective, there might be some useful tips. But don't expect anything mindblowing.

The audio quality on my library audio book was not too sharp, either, but I appreciate the effort someone took in converting this from a somewhat degraded analog format to mp3 so I could listen to it.

[Kelcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up. This is a very short and mostly common sense read which is why I've placed it solidly in the middle; however, I appreciated it as it served as a way to re-motivate myself when getting frustrated at a language learning plateau. Reading this is a good way to re-center yourself in your language learning journey.

[Sixwing · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only flaw of this audiobook was that it predates the SRS learning method. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to a friend with an interest in language learning.

I am not a beginner at language learning myself, but it was really good to have a review of the how and why.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only language learning book on audio that the library had, but I picked up a few good tricks.

[Scurvy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although an older book, it has a lot of helpful info that is just as good today. If you are thinking of learning a new language, I recommend this quick read.

[Bill Cunnien · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste of time

[Lydia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great. Dated and nothing you wouldn’t pick up from 5 minutes on Google.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advice.

[AmyLyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit outdated, very repetitive, and nothing earth-shattering, but still, there were some interesting tips and ideas and I think that any language study would be improved by persevering through this painful text. Luckily it's short. I would have preferred the book to the audiobook because it would have been easier to skim.

[Khalid · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a short audio book that gives you a general idea about different languages and gives suggestions on how to learn them and what to expect when learning them. It may be worth your time if you are, like me, into learning languages.

[Janis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can hear the noise from the original tape, which would be okay if there was anything new or original in the content. Not a bad review of study methods before beginning a language course, but it won't inspire you.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was alright. No secrets, but there really aren't any secrets about learning a language. It involves practice, practice, practice.

[Fernando Morales · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't even waste your time, you want to know the secret of learning a new language...repetition this is pretty much the entire book.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just short of amazing. I enjoyed it. I think it provides many helpful tips in just a few pages.

[Anna Pearce · Rating 2 out of 5]

A product of its time that I didn't find as helpful as I hoped to.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book to listen too and really made me think about some things when it comes to foreign language acquisition.

[Berkshire12gmail.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning a new language is never easy, and requires discipline. This book offers many helpful tips to make the task easier, more engaging, more fun, and less intimidating.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Old. Hasn't got all his language history facts correct. Boring.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very instructive hints to help in learning a new language.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had some helpful tips to get over a plateau in learning and trying to memorize new words.