ctivnan
04/04/09, 07:54 PM
TIPS FOR READING
Reading a novel in a foreign language is not always easy. After all, the author is writing for native speakers, not for language learners. At first, your progress is likely to be slow, but if you're patient, you will see results. Have fun!
Check first.
Before you buy a novel, read the first few pages in the bookshop -- or online -- to check that the language level is right for you.
Find a film.
Watch the film version of a novel in your mother tongue, or in English with subtitles. The read the novel in English.
Listen carefully.
Listen to an audio recording of the book (in English) as you read. This will help yu to increase your reading speed.
Look up words.
Try to understand the meaning of words from the context before you reach for your dictionary to look them up. As you read, mark words that you are not sure about. Stop only to look up several words at a time, maybe at the end of a short chapter, event or dialogue. But don't stop at the end of every line. Write the translations in the novel so that you can refer back to them if the words come up again. Or, create your own vocabulary book. Use a small notebook to collect expressions that appear a lot. Carry the notebook around with you and look up the definitions later.
Buy two.
Buy a version in your first language and an English version of the same novel. Read the English one and refer to the other book only when you don't understand something. It's quicker than looking up individual words in a dictionary, which can be useful when the book gets exciting! Or try reading the English translation of your favorite novel in your first language.
Save it for later.
If you do have to look up words frequently, then maybe you should start a different book. Keep the difficult novel for when your English has improved.
Make friends.
Join an English-language reading group -- even online. Or start your own.
Be realistic and give yourself a reward.
Choose books that really interest you. Its hard enough to find time to read a book in English, so at least make it one you will enjoy. Choose novels that are easy and long, rather than difficult and short. It's motivating to finish a novel in English, even if it's an easy one. Reward yourself with a treat when you finish the novel.
Source: Business Spotlight
Reading a novel in a foreign language is not always easy. After all, the author is writing for native speakers, not for language learners. At first, your progress is likely to be slow, but if you're patient, you will see results. Have fun!
Check first.
Before you buy a novel, read the first few pages in the bookshop -- or online -- to check that the language level is right for you.
Find a film.
Watch the film version of a novel in your mother tongue, or in English with subtitles. The read the novel in English.
Listen carefully.
Listen to an audio recording of the book (in English) as you read. This will help yu to increase your reading speed.
Look up words.
Try to understand the meaning of words from the context before you reach for your dictionary to look them up. As you read, mark words that you are not sure about. Stop only to look up several words at a time, maybe at the end of a short chapter, event or dialogue. But don't stop at the end of every line. Write the translations in the novel so that you can refer back to them if the words come up again. Or, create your own vocabulary book. Use a small notebook to collect expressions that appear a lot. Carry the notebook around with you and look up the definitions later.
Buy two.
Buy a version in your first language and an English version of the same novel. Read the English one and refer to the other book only when you don't understand something. It's quicker than looking up individual words in a dictionary, which can be useful when the book gets exciting! Or try reading the English translation of your favorite novel in your first language.
Save it for later.
If you do have to look up words frequently, then maybe you should start a different book. Keep the difficult novel for when your English has improved.
Make friends.
Join an English-language reading group -- even online. Or start your own.
Be realistic and give yourself a reward.
Choose books that really interest you. Its hard enough to find time to read a book in English, so at least make it one you will enjoy. Choose novels that are easy and long, rather than difficult and short. It's motivating to finish a novel in English, even if it's an easy one. Reward yourself with a treat when you finish the novel.
Source: Business Spotlight