Top 20 Books to Master a Foreign Language Like a Pro

Starting to learn a foreign language is easy, but the key to success is consistency. Even dedicating just 10 minutes a day can make a significant difference. If you’re short on time, try listening to books and music, watching videos, or reading short news articles in your target language. Even translating headlines can be incredibly beneficial. As noted by Elena Matveeva, a philologist, polyglot, and writer, the initial challenge is to get comfortable with not understanding everything.

Approaches to Language Learning

There are differing opinions on the best way to learn a language. Some prefer starting with conversational basics, often using resources like movies or online platforms such as Duolingo and Lingualeo. Others believe in beginning with grammar and taking structured courses with a teacher. However, both groups agree on the value of printed materials. Here, we present a selection of popular textbooks and books about language learning.

Top Language Learning Books

“Chineasy Every Day” by ShaoLan Hsueh

“Chineasy Every Day” is a unique and relatively new publication. The author, ShaoLan Hsueh, an English-speaking Chinese national, introduces readers not just to the language but to the fascinating world of Chinese culture. This book helps you learn 400 Chinese characters, which is enough for a tourist to navigate the country, read menus, and communicate basic needs. ShaoLan has developed her own teaching methods, using illustrations that associate with the meaning of each character. If you enjoy this book, you might also like the first edition, “Chineasy.” Both books are available in Russian from the “Mif” publishing house.

“Unboring Japanese Grammar” by Oleg Dyakonov

This self-study guide is perfect for beginners, offering a clear understanding of basic grammar and a foundational vocabulary. The book features schematic presentations of rules, exercises with translations, and illustrations. Published by “Eksmo” in 2015, it’s a great starting point for anyone interested in Japanese.

“Ciao, Italia!” by Carlo Anchidei

Recommended by linguists and language learners, this book is simple and effective. It focuses on dialogues, vocabulary, and grammar, with tables of essential material and tests. The book includes answers for self-checking, and it’s unique in that it provides dual translations—Italian and Russian—even in the table of contents and section titles. This approach helps readers become comfortable with the Italian script and encourages translation practice. You can purchase this book and download a sample chapter from bookstreet.ru.

“The Adventure of English” by Melvyn Bragg

This fascinating book delves into the history and evolution of the English language. Melvyn Bragg, an English broadcaster and writer, explores how English has been influenced by other languages and its journey to becoming a global lingua franca. The book is engaging and informative, making it a great read for language enthusiasts. The Russian translation is available from “Alpina Non-Fiction.”

“French Language Textbook” by Popova, Kazakova, Kovalchuk

One of the most user-friendly textbooks, often referred to as “Popova-Kazakova,” has been reprinted 20 times. It includes theory, exercises, and answers, making it a comprehensive resource for French learners.

“German Grammar with a Human Face” by Ilya Frank

This book presents grammar in an engaging narrative style, making it an interesting read. Ilya Frank also offers other language learning books and is known for his adapted text format, the Ilya Frank method, which provides Russian translations and brief explanations for German words.

“Spanish Language Course for Beginners” by Irina Dyshleva

One of the most popular books for learning Spanish, this comprehensive guide covers pronunciation, grammar, conversations, and understanding adapted texts. Published by “Perspektiva” in 2016, it’s an excellent resource for beginners.

Self-Study Guides by Dmitry Petrov

Linguists and language enthusiasts recommend Dmitry Petrov’s books for learning various languages, including English and German. His books cater to both beginners and advanced learners, offering a range of courses.

Books About Language Learning

“Polyglot by Choice” by Elena Matveeva

Elena Matveeva, a businesswoman and linguist fluent in eight languages and familiar with twenty, shares her insights on the language learning process. She discusses common pitfalls, how to stay motivated, and how to develop a genuine interest in learning. The book is filled with practical examples from her own experiences, making it relatable and engaging.

“Experiences in Translation” by Umberto Eco

This partly autobiographical book by the renowned Italian writer, professor, and philosopher Umberto Eco explores the challenges of translation. Published in 2015, the book delves into the nuances of translating meaning accurately, offering numerous examples and insights.

“How I Learn Languages” by Kató Lomb

The first simultaneous interpreter in the world, Hungarian writer Kató Lomb, knew 16 languages. In this book, she shares her language learning journey and experiences. The book is a dialogue with the reader, offering practical advice and insights. Originally published in Russian in 1978, it’s now available in electronic format.