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Language Learners: Read Your Favourite Books To Grow Your Vocabulary

How to increase your foreign language vocabulary by repeatedly reading your favourite books in that language

Date : 07/09/2020

Author Information

Helga

Uploaded by : Helga
Uploaded on : 07/09/2020
Subject : German

Memorising lists of new words, efficient though it may be, is by no means the only way to build up a store of words in the language you are learning. Another tried and tested method involves reading your favourite books in the language you are learning not only once, but as many times as you fancy.

Two factors make this a great vocabulary-boosting activity joy and repetition. When you enjoy a task, your brain is working at its best and lasting memories are formed. With that in mind, choose books you genuinely like reading, look up any interesting new words you come across as you read and make a note of their meaning in the margin. Then come back to the same books after some (not too much) time as repetition allows your brain to consolidate those memories. Think of your personal store of words as an orchard in which new words are the seeds. They will grow into trees if you tend to them until they are established.

While reading a wide range of materials in your foreign language allows you to get a feel for the various styles and registers and learn about the culture your foreign language is embedded in, it will not significantly increase your vocabulary. Reading your favourite books several times and looking out for new words as you do so will.

This resource was uploaded by: Helga