Reading in a Foreign Language

It is well known that reading has a broad range of benefits. It opens your mind to new cultures, allows you to create new and amazing worlds and it is undoubtedly an incredible way to improve your language skills, whether in your mother tongue or in a foreign language.  

However, when it comes to reading in a foreign language people, especially foreign language learners, start to panic. Do I have to understand every single word from the book? May I use a dictionary when reading it? What if I don’t understand anything? These are typical questions students often ask when they are told to read a book in a foreign language.  

Here are some tips that will help you get better at reading in a foreign language.

1. Don’t panic if you don’t understand everything. Just try to guess the meaning of the words from   the context.
2. Use a dictionary to look up key words.
3. Write down new words and phrases. If you learn them, you will be able to use them for future occasions.
4. Read aloud to yourself as you read the book. When you establish connections between listening, reading and speaking, the three skills will definitely improve.
5. Books are not the only option today. From paper books to online news articles… choose the format you feel more comfortable with. What is important is that you read!
6. Take it easy and enjoy the adventure!

To finish, I will include a selection of books you can read to improve your English. I hope you like them!

https://www.english.com/blog/9-great-novels-help-improve-english/