Reading is a great tool to learn a language. Personally, I prefer eBooks because most platforms and apps have integrated dictionaries you can use without having to move away from the text. This convenience makes eBooks an ideal resource for modern language learners.
So, how exactly does reading help in learning a language?
- Our brains are wired to respond positively to reading.
When we read, the brain actively engages in creating mental imagery, recognizing patterns, and connecting ideas. For example, research shows that reading a narrative activates the same neural pathways as experiencing the story yourself. If you’re reading a story set in a bakery, your brain may visualize the scene and even recall the smell of bread—deepening your connection to the language. - Written texts are usually organized using the most common sentence structures.
This makes them a perfect medium to display the language in its clearest form. For instance, beginner-level French books often use subject-verb-object patterns like “Je vais au marché” (I am going to the market), helping learners understand the fundamental grammar rules effortlessly. - When you read, your brain captures meanings through context rather than isolated words.
For example, reading a sentence like “Elle porte un manteau parce qu’il fait froid” (She wears a coat because it’s cold) helps you deduce the meaning of manteau (coat) and froid (cold) even if you’ve never encountered these words before. - Context is key in understanding written text.
It plays a crucial role in developing the building blocks of a language. For instance, encountering idiomatic expressions in a story—like “raining cats and dogs” in English—teaches you how culture and meaning interplay in language. - Languages often have different levels of speaking and various dialects.
This is particularly true for languages spoken by large populations, such as Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. Even in a language spoken by approximately 67 million people, like Italian, there are multiple regional dialects. These dialects, such as Neapolitan, Sicilian, and Venetian, each have distinct characteristics. Spread across Italy’s 301,230 square kilometers, these dialects reflect the country’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity. Reading can expose you to standard Italian, which unites these dialects while offering glimpses of regional flavor in context. - By combining reading with other language learning methods, you apply and test what you learn.
For instance, if you’re learning French grammar from a textbook and then read a book like Le Petit Prince, you’ll see how conjugations and tenses, such as passé composé and imparfait, are naturally used in storytelling. This reinforces what you’ve learned while offering new insights. - Written texts pay close attention to grammar, style, and word choice.
When you read, you acquire these elements naturally, much like native speakers do when they start reading. This enriches your vocabulary, expands your modes of expression, and makes your language use more sophisticated. Follow their footsteps by reading as much as possible in your target language.
Reading is more than just a passive activity; it’s a gateway to mastering a new language. By immersing yourself in written texts, you not only improve your vocabulary and grammar but also gain cultural insights and context-based understanding. So, pick up a book or download an eBook today and make reading a cornerstone of your language-learning journey!
And don’t forget to check out Reflets, the first bilingual French-English book of the series, coming soon.