Being able to read competently in a second language requires that you perform fast and automatic decoding of words, linking the different concepts each one presents into a concrete idea. There are many factors that can play into your ability to read well, each of which should be part of areas you work on during your language learning journey.
- Exposure to reading materials. Early on, arrange to give yourself exposure to the variety of elementary-level materials in the target language. Despite a lack of competence in your reading ability, repeated exposure will help you become comfortable with the language, preparing you for later reading efforts.
- Knowledge of language cultural concepts. You need to build up a strong enough grasp of language and cultural concepts for the target language, such that you can quickly tie disparate elements in a logical manner. Doing so will help you infer meaning from context, which can be very useful during early reading efforts (you’ll know enough of the words later on that context isn’t necessary).
- Vocabulary. A stock of 100 or 200 words might make holding conversations possible, but will likely leave reading competently just out of your reach. Work towards building up your list of active words, such that you won’t need to constantly refer to your language software dictionary while reading.
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