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.
This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly.
The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. 📱📖 ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 🎶 Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls – this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. 🎵📖 The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. Efficient audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is a revelation.
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. 📚👏 The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use.
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. 📚🎧 Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. 🌌🎧
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! 💡 Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder – thank you, this app! 📱📖 Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free.
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. 💃 Dancing through chores with audiobooks – this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! 🎶📚 Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. 💎📚 The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature.
I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks – it's truly invigorating. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps.
ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
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!
