When we're looking for things to read in our language, we'll often think in terms of stories. After all, stories can draw us in and keep us turning the page. They stimulate our imagination and provide context to help us remember. If we're still beginners or at the lower intermediate level, we might go for children's books or grab a "graded reader" (a text written - or adapted … [Read more...]
Foreign language reading tips: one technique, two helpful types of text
Reading can play an extremely helpful role in your attempts to get fluent in a foreign language…and it's hugely valuable even if your main aim is to speak well. Those were messages with which we kicked off a series of posts on reading. We've looked at the different types of reading ("intensive", "extensive", reading for "gist" and skimming for info). Today, three more foreign … [Read more...]
Two simple methods to “embrace effort” in reading and listening practice
Today's post looks at two simple methods you can use to get more active when practising the "passive" skills of listening and reading…. Look on it as a bit of resistance training. I first explored some ideals to help us "embrace effort", as I put it, over on the YouTube channel a few months ago. In short, what it's all about is putting a bit of grit in the oyster. Now, … [Read more...]
Stuggling to read in your foreign language? These three tips will help smooth the way
Reading in your foreign language can bring real benefits, even if your main goal is to speak. That was my argument in article that kicked off this series on reading and...my view hasn't changed :) What, though, if you're struggling to read in a foreign language? Here are three tips that will help smooth the way. Keep it short You started learning French because you wanted to … [Read more...]
Reading for fluency…and pleasure in your foreign language
When you're reading for pleasure, you're focussed on narrative, atmosphere, character, action. The individual details (and words) may not be as important as the pervading message. This post is about how to smooth the flow of such "extensive" reading in your foreign language. In the first post in this series on reading in your foreign language, we saw how important reading is … [Read more...]
How to read in a foreign language: the skill unpicked
In the first post in this series on how to read in a foreign language we saw how important reading is even if your main aim is to speak a language well. You'll make better progress if you realise that reading is not one skill. Think in terms of four different types of reading, each with a specific purpose. In this post (with vid at the bottom), let's unpick the four types of … [Read more...]
How important is reading for learning a foreign language?
How important is reading for learning a foreign language? Here's my take. I've also made a video on the same topic (link at the bottom of this post). If your main goal is to learn as efficiently as possible to converse in a language, you may well wonder why you should bother with reading. Reasons to doubt the value of reading to learn a language After all, most language, for … [Read more...]