If you have a problem, fix it. But train yourself not to worry, worry fixes nothing. - Ernest Hemingway

Monday 11 March 2013

Learn English: A fun book of functional language, grammar, and vocabulary






How will this book help you?

If you are someone who needs to use English at workplace or anywhere else, but if you are not confident about using the language, this book is for you.

It has a broad overview of the language that you need to live happily in today’s world. I’ve written it in an informal style, almost in a lighter vein … Actually, learning a new language shouldn’t be a pain in wrong places. On the contrary, it can be more exciting than falling in love.

While I wrote and revised the book, I kept this in mind and tried to make it completely different from the boring grammar and vocabulary text books available in the market. And it is different in other ways too. 

A problem with even very good language text books published from the UK, the USA, Australia, or say Singapore, is that they deal with topics and contexts which our learners cannot relate to. However, in In Learn English ... all the stories and anecdotes relate to India and I have tried to share bits and pieces of the Indian Cultural Heritage. I therefore believe that if you work through this book, you will not only learn English, but also enjoy the process of learning.

The Amazon on-line book store not only sells this book, but also allows you to have a peep into it. You can have look by clicking here.

If the link doesn't work, you can try Flipkart and read some reviews too at this second link



Revised versions

I am happy to say that the book has been reprinted twice in the last two years. Before the last reprint, I revised the book again. I believe I have been able to eliminate errors and typos completely now.



The journey of the book

It all began on 26 Jan 2012 with a book proposal to Tata McGraw Hill (TMH). The book is lying on my table right now. It looks fantastic!

Those of you who are in the know of the publishing industry would appreciate that thirteen months is an absurdly short time for bringing out a 464-page book with countless tables and pictures. It has been a pleasure to interact with Amit Kumar, who has been the face of TMH for me. I found Amit and his team competent professionals with a warm human touch. For me, it is an honour to be published by such a famous academic publishing house. Their warmth came as a huge bonus. Thank you TMH.



A vote of thanks

I am indebted to my students, who have taught me how to teach language. Moreover, they gave me confidence as a teacher by speaking and writing English confidently. Thank you dear students.

It has been a privilege to work with my colleagues at the British Council Teaching Centre Kolkata. Superb teachers, they have contributed to the book in many ways. Chitra Velayudh, Poushali Dutta Purkayastha, and Smita Saha have also checked some of the chapters.

I had two teachers while writing the book. Firstly, Prof K A Jayaseelan of the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. If you find the book error-free or nearly so – which I believe you will – it is largely because of him. Secondly, Ray Mackay, a renowned Scotland based ELT expert. My senior colleague, Krishnadi (Krishna Koyal) introduced me to Ray. I expected Ray to rubbish my book, but instead, he sent me an exceedingly positive and encouraging email. And he pointed out two areas where I had gone seriously wrong. I cannot thank them enough.

Finally my family and a circle of close friends have stood by me, checked the drafts, and sustained my belief that I could do it. Can’t thank them as I am a part of them.

Here are a few reviews that I found at the Amazon site. Cheers!



8 comments:

  1. I am so lucky that I am your student. There are a few great teacher in my life like you. :-) I have already ordered this book. A review will be posted after reading this book. I'm sure that this book will be an asset of my library :-)

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    1. Thanks so much, Wasim. For me too, it was wonderful to come across you as a student.

      I look forward to seeing the photographs.

      Keep well and keep in touch.

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  2. Hello Santanuji Sir,

    It's an excellent book without any doubt.

    Is it possible to have the same as "eBook" in Kindle, ePub, or any other format?

    This will help tremendously no need to carry hard copy.

    Regards
    Deepak

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    Replies
    1. As far as I know, there is no kindle edition yet. But thanks for the suggestion, Deepak. I will surely pass on your request to the publishers. Thanks for stopping here. Cheers.

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  3. Well Sir, the description you have given shows this book of yours is just for the Indians, and not for global village. I wish it could have had rather broader horizons so that all could get benefit out of it.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. But let me remind you it is not a good idea to judge a book by reading its description. I wish you got the book and decided.

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  4. How interesting and wide ranging , Santanu. I am waiting to read the content in more detail. All the best. Asha

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  5. Best explains that the achievement test is such kind of tool to measure what an individual has learned. KISS English

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I will be happy to read your views, approving or otherwise. Please feel free to speak your mind. Let me add that it might take a day or two for your comments to get published.