One of the ways I like to improve skills on a foreign language is by reading for fun. No, I’m not referring to even more vocabulary or language skills books. Instead, you can read anything that could be really fun for you — like a mystery novel or a fashion magazine that’s written in the target language.
Why do this? There are many good reason, actually.
- It’s a no-pressure way to expand your language skills. Unlike lessons, there’s no fixed modules you have to finish or speaking goals you’ll have to accomplish. You’re reading for fun, so you can start, stop and start back any time you please.
- It can be enjoyable. This is a great way to find published gems you’ll otherwise never even pay attention to. If you take to reading as a regular hobby, then this should feel just as natural, even if the language isn’t.
- It exposes you to cultural elements beyond language. Books and magazines tend to chronicle life in the source country in ways that most tour guides and language training software don’t really pay attention to. You’ll see what kinds of problems those people face, how they deal with conflict and the ways n which they interact.
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