Books for a non-native English speaker

[Steve Rindsberg]

We have a young guy from Japan living with us. He's just passed the test he needed to pass in order to get into the local university. The phrase "skin of teeth" leaps to mind, however. His oral/listening skills are fairly good but reading/writing has a way to go before he's really college-ready, IMHO.

He won't start school until winter semester and will be back in Japan until then. I'm thinking of giving him homework:

- A couple of required reading books
- A few writing assignments concerning the books
- The occasional Skype chat (can you say "Orals"? Sure ya can)

And maybe in the spirit of carrot and stick, telling him he has to pass MY test if he wants to live here when he comes back. Muah, Ha, and Ha.

So to finally arrive at the chase after that warmup:

Book suggestions? I'm thinking of short books that might appeal to a 19-year-old guy. Simple, direct English.

First thought was Hemingway, Old Man and the Sea.

I'd like to give him half a dozen or more, let him choose.

Thoughts?

[annc]

I would suggest any of the 44 Scotland Street series by Alexander McCall Smith, preferably starting with the first, but it doesn't really matter all that much. Because the chapters are all stories published in a newspaper, they're each self-contained and fairly short. And his English is very, very good.

Plus they're all available as e-books.

My first inclination was to suggest Michael Leunig's Short notes of the long history of happiness, but I'm not sure a 19 year old Japanese student would get the concepts in English. Particularly Leunig's off-beat Australian slant.

And for American English, maybe one or more of Michael Connelly's short Harry Bosch e-books. Plenty of everyday description and action.

[Steve Rindsberg]

Smith ... good call, especially since having read them, he can also listen to them as audio books.

I'm not familiar with the others, but given your track record on recommendations, will have to become so. ;-)

My wife (excellent teacher) has him figured as a tactile learner, so regular books will probably be better for him. But since I plan to read them too, eBooks will be handy for me.

Thanks!

I'm also thinking of The Martian by Andy Weir. He can read the book now, then watch the film when it comes out.

[annc]

Originally Posted by Steve Rindsberg

Smith ... good call, especially since having read them, he can also listen to them as audio books.

I'm not familiar with the others, but given your track record on recommendations, will have to become so. ;-)

My wife (excellent teacher) has him figured as a tactile learner, so regular books will probably be better for him. But since I plan to read them too, eBooks will be handy for me.

Thanks!

I'm also thinking of The Martian by Andy Weir. He can read the book now, then watch the film when it comes out.

Here's a link to the publisher's page for the Michael Leunig book.

[terrie]

steve: First thought was Hemingway, Old Man and the Sea.

Oh ugh...yes...it's considered a classic but...it's boring as hell...'-}

While I've not read any of the Harry Bosch series, I've always heard good things about them and who doesn't love a mystery/detective story??

Let me give some additional thought and perhaps I can come up with a decent title or two...

OHHH!!! Just had a thought!

Ray Bradbury?


Terrie

[Bo Aakerstrom]

As a non-native English speaker I might have an idea of his situation - studying in a foreign language can be a hard thing.

It might be good to choose something he has an interest in. Or related to what he will study. Instead of something really boring even if it is great from a language point of view.

[annc]

Originally Posted by Bo Aakerstrom

As a non-native English speaker I might have an idea of his situation - studying in a foreign language can be a hard thing.

It might be good to choose something he has an interest in. Or related to what he will study. Instead of something really boring even if it is great from a language point of view.

Where's the Like button?

[Andrew B.]

I would find out which texts the teachers are most likely to require and help him with those. And/or limit what you give him only to what interests him.

[terrie]

bo: It might be good to choose something he has an interest in.

Yes...I think that's an excellent approach...


Terrie

[Hugh Wyn Griffith]

Alastair Cook's "Letter from America 1946 - 2004" -- wonderful writing and both interesting and valuable background. Dottie gave it to me one Christmas and I recently lent it to a friend here who found it fascinating.

Or there is apparently an "essentials". He can also find them on YouTube like

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REuQckxrSrg

The one on gun control is fascinating and an excellent example of his brilliant simplicity.

Published on Jan 2, 2013
Today 17th April 2013 the American senate rejected a proposal for stricter checks on those buying guns. Unbelievable. This is part of a broadcast made in October 1993 but it could have been made last week and been every bit as relevant. Alistair Cooke was a wonderful communicator and explains things so clearly.

plus side links to many other broadcasts.