How to start reading in a foreign language (even as a beginner)

Summary

The video script discusses strategies for reading in foreign languages, highlighting the difference between intensive and extensive reading. The speaker shares personal preferences for extensive reading, especially with digital tools, and recommends apps like Link and e-readers for language learning. The script also addresses common advice on language learning through reading, such as using graded readers and avoiding classics initially, and emphasizes the importance of finding a personalized approach to reading in target languages.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker has read over 100 books in English, 30-something in Spanish, a few in Italian and Korean, developing a personal system for language learning through reading.
• 🔍 The two main approaches to reading in foreign languages discussed are intensive reading, which involves careful study and note-taking, and extensive reading, which is more about reading for pleasure and not necessarily understanding every detail.
• 📈 Extensive reading is recommended for texts slightly above one's level to encourage learning without the pressure of understanding every word, while intensive reading is useful for beginners or when encountering specialized vocabulary.
• 🚫 The speaker personally does not adhere to strict rules about the number of words to look up per page, preferring a flexible approach based on personal interest and comfort.
• 📱 The speaker prefers using a tablet or e-reader for reading in target languages due to the convenience of built-in features like word definition and note-taking.
• 🔗 The Link app is highlighted as a useful tool for looking up words or phrases during reading, watching, or listening, and for tracking vocabulary progress.
• 👀 The importance of choosing the right device for reading is emphasized, with e-readers like Kindle being recommended for long reading sessions due to their easier-on-the-eyes technology.
• 📚 A range of reading materials is suggested, from short texts and graded readers to articles, graphic novels, children's books, non-fiction, contemporary fiction, and classics.
• 👶 The speaker does not find children's books as effective for language learning as others might, due to a lack of relevant vocabulary and interest.
• 📖 Graded readers are recommended for their structured difficulty levels and short stories that can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
• 🔄 Being flexible with reading materials and not strictly following others' advice is key to finding what works best for an individual's language learning journey.

Q & A

What are the two main approaches to reading in foreign languages mentioned in the script?

The two main approaches mentioned are intensive reading and extensive reading. Intensive reading involves reading slowly, looking up every unknown word or grammar point, and possibly taking notes for review. Extensive reading means reading widely for pleasure without necessarily understanding every single word or sentence.

What is the speaker's personal preference when it comes to reading in foreign languages?

The speaker prefers an extensive reading approach for longer content like books, and for shorter content like song lyrics, social media posts, articles, or graded readers, they practice intensive reading but do not review the looked-up words.

What are some of the devices and apps the speaker uses to facilitate reading in foreign languages?

The speaker uses a tablet with apps like GoodNotes for highlighting and note-taking, and Link for looking up words and phrases. They also use an e-reader like Kindle for its eye-friendly screen and features like the vocabulary builder, and an Android e-reader for its ability to install various apps.

What is the issue the speaker faces when using a tablet for long periods of reading?

The speaker experiences eye strain, dryness, itchiness, and sometimes headaches, which makes them not recommend using a tablet or any screen-based device for extended reading sessions.

How does the speaker feel about reading children's books in foreign languages?

The speaker finds children's books not as easy as people make them out to be and feels that the vocabulary might not be as relevant for adult learners. They suggest being very picky and choosing books with relevant topics and vocabulary.

What is the speaker's opinion on reading graded readers?

The speaker recommends graded readers as they are written specifically for language learners, categorized by levels, and often short, which can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation. However, they note that the stories can sometimes be of poor quality.

What is the Link app, and how does it help the speaker with language learning?

The Link app allows users to look up words or phrases while reading, watching, or listening to content. It can import various types of content, mark unknown words, and practice them with different types of questions. The speaker uses it to learn Italian and find articles relevant to them.

What advice does the speaker give regarding reading the same book in different languages?

The speaker suggests that while some people enjoy reading the same book in different languages, it doesn't work well for them because they prefer stories with plot twists and are not interested in re-reading once they know the outcome.

What is the speaker's view on starting with classics when learning a new language?

The speaker advises against starting with classics like 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' when learning a new language, as they can be difficult and may not be as enjoyable if you don't already like the classics in your native language.

What is the speaker's final piece of advice for language learners regarding reading in a foreign language?

The speaker's final advice is to be flexible and not strictly follow someone else's advice. They encourage learners to find what works best for them, try different genres, formats, and media, and not let one bad experience discourage them from reading in their target language.