A child looks at the collection at a language CD stall in Patna book fair on Tuesday. Picture by Neshat Ahmad

Patna, Nov. 15: The ongoing National Book Fair is proving to be a boon for those with a flair for foreign languages. Students can brush up their foreign language skills with easy-to-learn CDs.

The book fair has been drawing scores of book lovers with a mind-boggling fare of biographies, autobiographies, general knowledge, fiction, spiritual and fiction books but the S. Chand bookstall stands out. The stall has been conducting roaring business after having become a haunt of sorts for foreign language students at the fair.

Amber Dev, who is learning French, said: “I came here with my friends to buy some general books, as I am a voracious reader. Thinking I may get something good, I walked into this stall and was pleasantly surprised. As I am learning a foreign language, CDs are essential in perfecting my pronunciation.”

Sunil Jha, a stall owner, said: “We have number of books and CDs, right from games to encyclopaedia, but language CDs are high in demand. A lot of people become eager to buy the books and CDs on coming to know about them. Till now, we have sold around 30 CD packs and hope to sell more over the next few days.”

“French and German CDs are sold more, probably because the languages are taught in many schools and institutions. These CDs can be of great help to the students,” added Jha.

He said: “However, buyers of English CDs are more as compared to those of French, German and Spanish. Youths command a high demand of the language CDs, but the English ones are purchased by people of all age groups, men, children and even homemakers.”

Aruna Kumari, a homemaker who has purchased an English speaking CD pack, said: “I can read English but I am not very fluent in speaking. But I feel in today’s world, it is very important to speak the language. Even if I go to my children’s school, I see lot of parents conversing in English, which becomes embarrassing for me. I think this can be the best medium, as I feel languages can be learnt by listening and not only reading.”

These five-CD set packs are available in French, German, Spanish and English at Rs 1,200 per pack but are available at a discounted rate of Rs 999 for book fair customers. The packs offer beginners’ and advanced versions.