Questions tagged [reading]
For questions about the ability to interpret written texts
62
questions
2
votes
1answer
29 views
Read new language with child
I wish to read English with my children. They are preschool age and have no English. I began by substituting the bedtime story with an English story but they got frustrated by the fact that they didn’...
2
votes
1answer
43 views
By what percentage does reading a novel increase reading speed?
Hacking Chinese, Learning to read aloud in Chinese
The above plot estimates its author's (Olle Linge) reading aloud speed as he progresses through reading a Chinese novel. He seems to have gone from ...
3
votes
1answer
67 views
Resources to learn Legal English or "Legalese"
I generally consider myself a fluent English reader. I can read The New York Times or the latest Harry Potter novel without difficulty, but I sometimes have trouble with so called "Legalese",...
4
votes
2answers
48 views
In Mandarin, how can I overcome the problem of knowing all the words, but missing the overall meaning?
This issue arises over and over:
In Mandarin Chinese, I often read a paragraph aloud, concentrating on pronunciation. I've studied all (or almost all) the words, and know what they mean individually....
2
votes
1answer
55 views
Can anyone help me to find out what resources are suitable for practicing the TOEFL exam reading section?
I had the TOEFL exam a few days ago. I got 27 in writing, 25 in speaking, 26 in listening, and 17 in reading. Although I was able to read all the text, in the reading section, almost easily, the ...
8
votes
2answers
176 views
How do I learn to read and write a language I can already speak fluently?
Born and brought up in the city of Kolkata, I've been surrounded by people who speak Bengali almost all my life. We speak a different language at home and my schooling has been in a different language,...
3
votes
1answer
442 views
How to evaluate CEFR level of text for L2 learners?
For a language-learning platorm I'm building I need to analyze the difficulty of a foreign-language text for L2 learners in terms of CEFR.
However, as CEFR is made up of only Can do? questions, and ...
2
votes
0answers
28 views
For Mandarin, are there estimates on how many repetitions it takes to remember a word through reading?
Nation (2014) (pdf) discusses English vocabulary acquisition through extensive reading alone. While reading at a 98% comprehensible input level, the learner will (probably) remember a word ...
3
votes
1answer
50 views
Are there language textbooks which include an epilogue which is understandable once the textbook's contents are mastered?
In a computer RPG game, the character levels up and begins to effortlessly kill monsters that were once a major challenge. It's a satisfying feeling of progress.
I'm studying Chinese, and no textbook ...
3
votes
0answers
30 views
Is there any evidence based on research that reading certain types of texts can be harmful to your language learning?
I've been learning Italian for some years (at present my level is C1): during that time I've been essentially a self-learner, with the exception of a few months, and I've been a quite active user of ...
1
vote
0answers
53 views
When native speakers encounter an unfamiliar phrase
Have you noticed that when native speakers encounter an unfamiliar phrase, they might distort their mental grammar to arrive at an interpretation they consider reasonable? This is common especially ...
4
votes
1answer
86 views
Improving vocabulary reading foreign language literature on ebook readers, how to export selected vocabulary into a spaced repetition app?
For improving my vocabulary I read favourite novels and short stories, preferredly in the original (target) language. When my level isn't quite up to it, I read a translation (be that English or ...
0
votes
0answers
64 views
How additionally useful is HSK6 over HSK5 for reading Chinese native news and opinion pieces?
When deciding whether to study Chinese, students often state two goals: (a) to pass a HSK test, and (b) to read Chinese news articles. I'm towards the end of HSK5, and I already read some news-...
3
votes
0answers
38 views
How do you learn to read Vietnamese using Chữ Nôm?
I am able to read Chinese characters, and have been exposed to Chữ Nôm, which is derived by amalgamating Chinese characters according to their meaning and pronunciation, so as to represent a Native ...
3
votes
1answer
75 views
Difference between reading text written directly in language X, and reading text written in language Y and translated into language X?
I'm currently reading the Chinese version of Matilda to improve my Chinese reading skills (and partly because I simply enjoy the book).
However, as a native-English speaker, I'm concerned that there ...
2
votes
2answers
133 views
Has anyone successfully learned to read a dead language while skipping the formal grammar study?
I have attended a few traditional masses in Latin. My proposal is to learn the language by reading the bilingual prayers and Bible readings. Since I can already read Spanish and French, I have been ...
3
votes
0answers
36 views
Spanish reading passages with a focus on specific grammar
Is there such a thing as reading passages where the passage has been specifically created with a focus on a specific part of grammar? If so, what are they called, and where can I find them?
I'm ...
3
votes
2answers
93 views
Can Speak Chinese; Need Learning Resources to Bring Reading Skill to Same Level (HSK4)
Good Day!
I have an interesting conundrum - I can speak Chinese just fine (in fact I just took an HSK placement exam at the local Confucius Centre and was ranked at 4 for listening and speaking). I ...
6
votes
4answers
2k views
Is it possible to learn a language without translation?
Let's assume I have no knowledge in a language I want to learn. I know only some basic alphabet, but don't know any words. Is it possible to learn a language just by watching videos and reading books ...
4
votes
1answer
117 views
Graded readers using simplified Chinese characters?
Graded readers are very useful for practising extensive reading. Extensive reading has several benefits, for example, getting a lot of comprehensible input.
The majority of speakers of Standard ...
6
votes
3answers
103 views
How can I improve my ability to understand posts in social networks?
I've started learning English at secondary school. First topic I learned is the grammar rule. I did a lot of assignments about it likes doing the math. I think that I can do it well (I got a 600 ...
1
vote
0answers
35 views
Child recognizing words by first and last letters; what next?
My child, now 4 years old, seems to recognize a number of written names by their first and last letters. They also recognize some other words seemingly by appearance.
They can pronounce individual ...
11
votes
4answers
171 views
What are the implications of reading texts beyond my level?
Most texts, articles, books, novels, etc. that interest me in L2 are well above my level, requiring an intimate relationship with a dictionary in order to read. I can painstakingly plod through, but I ...
7
votes
3answers
4k views
What are the benefits of intensive reading?
As a corollary to this question, what are the benefits of intensive reading for acquiring a second language? A reference paper would be nice but is not required.
Intensive reading refers to reading ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
How can I learn reading Telugu texts, if I already know Kannada Scripts?
Is learning Telugu script need any extra effort if I already know reading Kannada script? since both languages are quite similar for reading.
7
votes
2answers
128 views
How can I quickly learn to understand a Latin text if I know Romance languages?
After studying French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and now looking at a Latin text it seems like I’m basically there, I’m just missing things.
What are some things I could/should learn to ...
7
votes
1answer
84 views
How to comprehend what we read properly?
I have problems with comprehending sentences. Many times what I understand after reading a sentence or sentences is totally different from what it actually means. I can understand the meaning of each ...
3
votes
1answer
65 views
Learning to read official documents and tables in Danish
In Denmark most of the online tax filing system is only in Danish. The vocabulary is highly specialized and, even if one understands it, the concepts are challenging. A foreigner has to engage with ...
3
votes
1answer
71 views
Learning to read handwriting
What are some ways to learn to read anything handwritten in a new language. There are infinite variations and variables, which makes it different.
I’m looking for general information, but ...
6
votes
1answer
130 views
Can I read nynorsk due to learning bokmål?
Suppose I learn enough Norwegian bokmål to be able to read books and newspapers well enough to follow what is happening, even if I would miss nuances and occasionally misunderstand something. I'm ...
9
votes
2answers
609 views
Japanese – how to learn it without using SRS?
I hate SRS (spaced repetition system), even though I have used it for more than ten years for various languages. I can’t stand the sight of it anymore, yet, I know of no better alternative for a ...
4
votes
1answer
330 views
Resources for learning to read Chinese newspapers (in simplified Chinese characters)?
Many textbooks for learning Standard Chinese, e.g. New Practical Chinese Reader, focus on conversational Chinese. In these textbooks, the text in the lessons are always dialogues. This type of ...
4
votes
1answer
44 views
Teaching syllables to three and half year old
Our Finnish child knows the letters by name. Also, when hearing the sounds the letter makes, they almost always can name the letter associated to the sound. They has not figured out how syllables work,...
10
votes
4answers
1k views
Where can I find graded readers for Russian?
Graded readers are a good type of material for extensive reading. But how do you find graded readers in Russian?
The English Wikipedia article graded reader has no link to the same concept in the ...
9
votes
0answers
64 views
Online course or resources on speed reading in Chinese
In a comment to my previous question about the transfer of speed reading skills to other languages, someone wondered whether this would be affected by the writing system. This is very plausible. In ...
13
votes
4answers
173 views
Benefits of reading texts one does not understand well
My Danish skills are at the level where I can usually puzzle out the meaning of a newspaper article, even though I won't understand most specialized words. I took a quick look at some pages of a ...
9
votes
1answer
86 views
French subtitles
I have been watching a lot of French-language shows on Netflix lately but with French subtitles. I find that the subtitles rarely match what is actually being spoken!
For example someone will say, "...
15
votes
2answers
7k views
Graded readers for Japanese?
As several other questions already mentioned, graded readers are a good resources for extensive reading, at least for people who are not yet sufficiently proficient to read texts written for native ...
7
votes
1answer
3k views
Where can I find graded readers for French?
Graded readers are a good type of material for extensive reading. But how do you find graded readers in French?
The English Wikipedia article graded reader has no link to the same concept in the ...
3
votes
2answers
674 views
Graded readers using traditional Chinese characters?
Graded readers are very useful for practising extensive reading. Extensive reading has several benefits, for example, getting a lot of comprehensible input.
I have found several series of graded ...
8
votes
1answer
145 views
Natural Approach text books
I have only found a single example of a Natural Approach text book, Lingua Latina. Are there any other books in this style available for purchase online?
4
votes
1answer
41 views
How do I not prioritize pronunciation over comprehension when reading out loud?
When I read an Italian text (this question is about reading out loud), what I focus on dictates how "well" I read it.
For example, if I focus on pronunciation, then my pronunciation is flawless, but ...
3
votes
1answer
169 views
Conditions for successful extensive reading?
According to the literature on second language acquisition, what are the conditions for successful extensive reading? Does the literature provide any suggestions on how many words a learner should ...
6
votes
1answer
217 views
What are the benefits of extensive reading?
What are the benefits of extensive reading? More, specifically, in what ways is extensive reading helpful for learning a target language?
Responses based on research would be appreciated.
12
votes
2answers
197 views
How does one go from "understanding each word" to "understanding the sentence."
I've been learning Italian for the past 2 years, and I've reached a point where in the average sentence (in introductory material) I understand over half of the words. This usually allows me to ...
8
votes
1answer
83 views
Creating summaries helps us understand a new language?
At school we were "forced" to summarize the text, but does it help in learning a new language?
6
votes
0answers
84 views
According to research, how well do speed reading skills transfer to other languages?
According to Wikipedia, speed reading is
any of several techniques used to improve one's ability to read quickly. Speed reading methods include chunking and minimizing subvocalization.
There are ...
5
votes
2answers
198 views
How does the vocabulary learned through immersion compare to vocabulary learned via study?
When reading texts in L2, (sometimes) it can be easy to infer the meaning of a word based on its usage in the text. This can work similarly when listening or conversing. (Of course, to ensure there is ...
3
votes
1answer
83 views
What are all the concepts that you need to understand to become proficient at reading in a language?
Phonics seems to be important. What else is important? Do you need to know the formal rules of grammar?
By "reading a language" I mean reading aloud or silently (whichever is better for comprehension)...
9
votes
2answers
213 views
What's the most effective way to learn to quickly read Chinese?
I know enough Chinese characters to read quite advanced texts in this language. The problem, though, is that I'm terribly slow, so slow that reading anything is not a pleasure. This is something that ...
