How to Teach a Foreign Language

Originally published in 1904, How to Teach a Foreign Language was written by the renowned Danish linguist Otto Jespersen. The work emerged from a period of significant pedagogical shift in Europe, as educators began to move away from the traditional, translation-heavy grammar methods toward the more immersive Direct Method. Jespersen, a pioneer in modern linguistics, sought to provide a practical framework that prioritized natural language acquisition through meaningful communication and the use of the target language within the classroom.

Jespersen's design was deeply rooted in his belief that language learning should be an active, engaging process rather than a rote memorization of rules. The text was highly influential in the early 20th century, setting a precedent for communicative language teaching that continues to inform modern linguistics. This 2013 edition by CreateSpace serves as a reprint of his seminal thoughts, ensuring that his foundational theories remain accessible to contemporary scholars and language instructors interested in the history of pedagogical development.