Audiobook Fifty Sounds: A Memoir of Language, Learning, and Longing by Polly Barton in the ListenBook app
Want to listen to the audiobook Fifty Sounds: A Memoir of Language, Learning, and Longing written by Polly Barton
ListenBook is here to help!
In ListenBook you can listen Fifty Sounds: A Memoir of Language, Learning, and Longing and any other audiobooks you download from the internet.
ListenBook is the easiest and most convenient app for listening to audiobooks
in MP3, MP4, OPUS, OGG, FLAC, AWB, M4B, M4A, WMA, AAC formats
on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad!
Book description
"The language learning I want to talk about is sensory bombardment. It is a possession, a bedevilment, a physical takeover," writes Polly Barton in her eloquent treatise on this profoundly humbling and gratifying act. Shortly before graduating with a degree in philosophy from the University of Cambridge, Barton on a whim accepted an English-teaching position in Japan. With the characteristic ambivalence of a twenty-one-year-old whose summer--and life--stretched out almost infinitely before her, she moved to a remote island in the Sea of Japan, unaware that this journey would come to define not only her career but her very understanding of her own identity.Divided into fifty onomatopoeic Japanese phrases, Fifty Sounds recounts Barton's path to becoming a literary translator fluent in an incredibly difficult vernacular. From "min-min," the sound of air screaming, to "jin-jin," the sound of being touched for the first time, Barton analyzes these and countless other foreign sounds and phrases as a means of reflecting on various cultural attitudes, including the nuances of conformity and the challenges of being an outsider in what many consider a hermetically sealed society.In a tour-de-force of lyrical, playful prose, Barton recalls the stifling humidity that first greeted her on the island along with the incessant hum of peculiar new noises. As Barton taught English to inquisitive middle school children, she studied the basics of Japanese in an inverse way, beginning with simple nouns and phrases, such as "cat," "dog," and "Hello, my name is." But when it came to surrounding herself in the culture, simply mastering the basics wasn't enough.Japanese, Barton learned, has three scripts: the phonetic katakana and hiragana (collectively known as kana) and kanji (characters of Chinese origin). Despite her months-long immersion in the language, a word would occasionally produce a sinking feeling and send her sifting through her dictionaries to find the exact meaning. But this is precisely how Barton has come to define language learning: "It is the always-bruised but ever-renewing desire to draw close: to a person, a territory, a culture, an idea, an indefinable feeling."Engaging and penetrating, Fifty Sounds chronicles everything from Barton's most hilarious misinterpretations to her new friends and lovers in Tokyo --and even the influence of Ludwig Wittgenstein's transformative philosophy. A classic in the making in the tradition of Anne Carson and Rachel Cusk, Fifty Sounds is a celebration of the empowering act of learning to communicate in any new language.
I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a game-changer. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. 🌌 Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner – this app adds flavor to every meal! 🍲📖
This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. 🌌 Elevating my reading routine – this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. 📚🔑 This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. I love the car mode. It’s so convenient for listening while driving.
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use! The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge – talk about efficiency! I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. 📚💫 Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out.
This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. 💃 Dancing through chores with audiobooks – this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! 🎶📚 Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a standout.
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality.
With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. 🎧 Audiobooks anywhere, anytime – this app's convenience is unbeatable! 🌟📚 The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening.
CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
💡 Balancing learning and living effortlessly – audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! 🎧💫 ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. 🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. 🌟 Embracing reading in the busiest of times – this app is my everyday escape! 📚🏃♀️ 👀📚 Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed – bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! 😴🎧 User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to.
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in!
I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
Trusted by over 100,000 users across the globe
What is ListenBook?
Why ListenBook?
How does it work?
1
Download audiobooks from any site in any of the supported formats.
2
Add audiobooks to the app using any of the many download methods available.
3
Listen to audiobooks by controlling playback from your phone, headphones, Apple Watch or CarPlay.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
App for those who love audiobooks
ListenBook has the features you need no matter what you are listening to
Listening to fiction
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Listening to audio lectures
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience
Every day, thousands of people download ListenBook to listen to audiobooks.
Now it's your turn to listen to audiobooks without distraction!
