How to teach a foreign language

Otto Jespersen opens with a vivid picture of the early twentieth‑century language‑teaching landscape, recalling how scattered hints and outdated drills dominated classrooms before a wave of reform began to sweep Europe. He traces the origins of the movement through the work of early pioneers, describing the formation of a small but determined society that championed a fresh, science‑based approach to language learning. By linking phonetics, psychology and physiology, the author shows how the new method aimed to replace rote memorisation with a more natural, sensible process.

The book then turns to the practical challenges of reshaping curricula and teacher habits, offering clear criticism of the “cram‑book” mentality while outlining concrete steps toward more efficient instruction. Jespersen’s writing is both scholarly and accessible, inviting readers to rethink long‑standing habits and consider how a rational, student‑centered philosophy can transform the way foreign languages are taught.