Give the Gift of Language
for the Holidays!
If you're looking for an idea for a gift for someone, here's one - a language course. There are lots of introductory language products that are inexpensive, educational and fun. They would make a great gift for a student or language enthusiast, or even for someone taking a trip in the near future.
You can find books, combination packages with both books and audio, and even audio-only products in traditional booksellers like Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million and others. Software products can also be found in Wal-mart, Best Buy and other large stores that carry any kind of software.
All these retailers also have online stores, and of course there is Amazon.com
There are good options for all the major languages (like French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, German, Arabic etc) and also for many other less commonly spoken languages as well. Introductory courses are usually inexpensive, often less than $20.
Some popular book and audio packages are the Living Language series and the Teach Yourself books which have a very wide variety of languages to choose from. Both of these sets are sold with two or three audio cds and both can be found for under $20 in most bookstores.
Transparent Language and Fluenz make software products that can be found in almost any major retailer and online, along with the makers of one of the best language learning methods, , or the popular Rosetta Stone. My favorite approach to language learning is with all-audio products. They allow you to study when you aren't usually doing anything productive, like driving to work. For audio products, there are the popular Michel Thomas titles, but my favorite language method of all is Pimsleur. The Pimsleur Quick and Simple set is an inexpensive introduction to a language that is easy to use and a lot of fun, and is less than $20.
If your giftee likes their present, there are a multitude of more advanced courses in all of these different formats. If they want to continue studying their new language, there are ample opportunities to do so. Sure, an educational gift might seem kind of boring for some people, but for the right person, an introductory language course (or even a full course for the really ambitious!) can make a great gift. If you know of anyone who might like a gift like this, why not take a small chance. It could lead to a world of opportunity and a lifetime of enjoyment.
P.S. Check the What's New page for the latest online coupons for the holiday season!
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"Learn a new language and get a new soul."
Czech Proverb
