Learning a new language is a journey of discovery, and LEX audio materials provide an innovative way to immerse yourself in that journey. Designed for learners of all ages, these materials enable natural language acquisition through listening, repetition and self-discovery. Whether you are new to this journey or already multilingual, here’s how you can make the most of LEX audio materials for effective and enjoyable language learning.

Why Choose LEX Audio Materials?
LEX Language Project offers an array of audio materials and books in multiple languages. These resources are ideal for learners who prefer an immersion-style approach. Unlike traditional methods that emphasize memorizing grammar rules, LEX focuses on listening and mimicking sounds, much like how we acquire our first language(s).

Dr. Suzanne Flynn, a professor of linguistics and language acquisition at MIT, supports this approach, calling the LEX program “the perfect embodiment of what we know to be true about language and learning.”

Getting Started with LEX Audio Materials
1. Choose the Right Set:
LEX offers several audio sets to match your learning goals and age group:

• Multilingual Friends Around the World 7 Language Set: Best for teens and adults; features stories in English, Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.
• Hippo Goes Overseas 7 Language Set: Designed for pre-teens, teens, and adults, this set tells the story of a Japanese girl’s homestay experience in the U.S.
• Songs and Stories Set A: Great for families with younger children; includes an adventure story and 130+ songs in 22 languages.
• Songs and Stories Set B: Includes the Multilingual Friends Around the World story and folk/children’s songs from around the world. Good for adults or families.
• Songs and Stories Set C: Ideal for families with younger children; features three stories and a vast collection of songs.

2. Follow the Immersion Process:
Start by listening to the audio materials without looking at the accompanying text. This mirrors how we naturally learn languages, focusing first on sounds and the natural rhythm of the language(s). Once you’re familiar with the sounds of the language, you may use the transcripts to start reading.

3. Engage in Active Listening:

• Play the audio during daily routines, such as commuting or cooking.
• Repeat phrases and mimic along with the stories.  Over time, your pronunciation will become closer to that of the native speakers in the audio materials. 
• Gradually increase exposure time to build comprehension skills.

​4. Supplement Your Learning:
LEX offers additional audio materials in over 20 languages, from Arabic to Vietnamese. You can expand your repertoire by selecting stories and songs tailored to your interests.

Benefits of LEX Audio Materials

• Natural Language Acquisition: By focusing on listening and repetition, learners build a strong foundation in pronunciation and comprehension.
• Multi-Language Learning: Sets like the Multilingual Friends collection introduce seven languages, promoting linguistic diversity.
• Family-Friendly Resources: With songs and stories suitable for all ages, LEX materials are perfect for group learning.

Tips for Long-Term Success

• Dedicate consistent time daily to listening and speaking.
• Join a LEX language club to speak and mimic with others.
• Keep the learning process fun and pressure-free.

LEX audio materials offer a unique, research-backed approach to acquiring languages. By immersing yourself in these resources, you can unlock new linguistic experiences while enjoying the rich stories and songs they provide. Start your multilingual journey today and experience the joy of learning through immersion.

In a world where multilingualism is increasingly celebrated, certain books highlight the innovative language-learning methods that make it possible for families to immerse themselves in multiple languages naturally and joyfully. Drawing from groundbreaking works like Yo Sakakibara’s Language Is Our Music, the LEX/Hippo Family Club offers unique approaches to language acquisition that combine immersion and play. These books, filled with heartwarming stories, scientific insights and practical advice, inspire families to embrace multilingual adventure, turning everyday life into a language-learning experience that feels as natural as speaking. Whether you’re looking to understand the theory behind multilingualism or explore fun, immersive activities for the whole family, these Linguistics & STEM books offer a diverse, accessible and inspiring approach.

1. Language Is Our Music: The Natural Way to Multilingualism by Yo Sakakibara

In a world where multilingualism is increasingly celebrated, certain books highlight the innovative language-learning methods that make it possible for families to immerse themselves in multiple languages naturally and joyfully. Drawing from groundbreaking works like Yo Sakakibara’s Language Is Our Music, the LEX/Hippo Family Club offers unique approaches to language acquisition that combine immersion and play. These books, filled with heartwarming stories, scientific insights and practical advice, inspire families to embrace multilingual adventure, turning everyday life into a language-learning experience that feels as natural as speaking. Whether you’re looking to understand the theory behind multilingualism or explore fun, immersive activities for the whole family, these Linguistics & STEM books offer a diverse, accessible and inspiring approach.

1. Language Is Our Music: The Natural Way to Multilingualism by Yo Sakakibara

Language is Our Music Book

Discover the groundbreaking language learning methods of Yo Sakakibara. From heartwarming tales of kids picking up languages to scientific dives into vowel sounds, Sakakibara explores everything from musical scales to the essence of being human. His innovative ideas come to life at LEX / Hippo Family Club, where people of all ages immerse themselves in multiple languages through “singing the sounds of language” via mimicking audio stories and other fun group activities. Supported by MIT linguist Dr. Suzanne Flynn, this unique approach makes language learning natural and joyful. Even Dr. Noam Chomsky has praised this inspiring program for its remarkable progress.

2. Anyone Can Speak 7 Languages by Hippo Family Club

Anyone Can Speak 7 Languages Book

This inspiring collection of essays dives into how both kids and adults can naturally pick up multiple languages through immersion. Packed with heartwarming stories, it offers a glimpse into the innovative methods of LEX / Hippo Family Club.

“Just thinking about it creates a sense of hope, joy, and freshness. I have always had difficulties with language and am intrigued by this approach… Thank you for such an encouraging message.”

– Reader quote

3. A Multilingual Adventure: The LEX Way

A Multilingual Adventure: The LEX Way

 

Written by students at the Transnational College of LEX, this book dives into the fun and philosophy behind LEX / Hippo Family Club’s unique language-learning methods. Through fascinating discussions on history, math, linguistics, and science, it unpacks LEX’s global approach to multilingual immersion. This bilingual (English/Japanese) edition is perfect for anyone curious about learning multiple languages naturally.

“Cracking the Code to Language Acquisition. The book provides historical context and revelations of a unique approach to learning multiple languages simultaneously. I particularly enjoyed the section that explored the similarities, overlap and historical context of Asian languages. The book also describes some of the aha moments in developing a language acquisition program, focusing on a unique pathway that mimics how we learn our first language v. more common approaches such as reading/classroom work. I highly recommend this book for all those interested in a novel approach to language acquisition!”

-Reader quote

4. Multilingual Natural Immersion by Kenshi Suzuki

多言語の音の波に自然に浸ろう: Multilingual Natural Immersion

 

In this updated guide only available in Japanese, LEX / Hippo President Kenshi Suzuki explores the latest breakthroughs in natural language learning from 2010-2020. Discover the innovative “Munaimmer House” concept, where families use multiple audio speakers to create a multilingual environment at home. Suzuki also shares insights on being multilingual, reflections on his time in New York, and highlights from the Joint Research Project on Multilingualism and the Brain. Plus, dive into his adventures across Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and the Silk Road.

Curious about LEX’s revolutionary approach? This book is your passport to a world of natural, immersive language learning!

5. Who Is Fourier? A Mathematical Adventure by Transnational College of LEX

Who Is Fourier? A Mathematical Adventure

With a foreword by Dr. Dan Rockmore, the student authors of the Transnational College of LEX in Tokyo take the reader along on their adventure of discovery of Fourier’s wave analysis. The result is a work that gradually moves from basics to the more complicated mathematics of trigonometry, exponentiation, differentiation and integration, covering Fourier Series, Fourier Coefficients, the Fourier Transform, and the FFT Method. And, most importantly, it’s done in a way that’s easy to understand.

6. What Is Quantum Mechanics? A Physics Adventure by the Transnational College of LEX

What Is Quantum Mechanics? A Physics Adventure

 

Translated by John Nambu with a foreword by Nobel laureate Dr. Yoichiro Nambu, this book continues the approachable style of Who Is Fourier? by offering an engaging exploration of quantum mechanics. It introduces key concepts like the Photoelectric Effect, Compton Effect, Schrödinger’s Equation and the Uncertainty Principle, blending theory with historical context. Readers meet the brilliant minds of Planck, Einstein, Bohr, Heisenberg and more, making this a fascinating guide to quantum mechanics for learners seeking an accessible and inspiring introduction to natural science.

7. What Is DNA? A Biology Adventure by the Transnational College of LEX

What is DNA? A Biology Adventure

This book explores the wonders of molecular biology with humor and vivid illustrations. This engaging book delves into DNA, genetics and evolution, uncovering the secrets of human organisms and language. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, it blends education and fun, drawing readers into a fascinating scientific journey. Discover the rapidly evolving world of biology through the enthusiastic storytelling of these Tokyo-based student authors.