StringerBell wrote:joecleland wrote:Lastly, in terms of reading…I keep seeing posts that users state what really helps them solidify their learning is just input through reading. I know there are two approaches to this but wanted to know what you all thought?
A) Push through the reading and just absorb the material
B) Look up every word you don’t know before continuingI am in the process of improving my vocabulary to the point where I can easily read extensively in Italian. I've been experimenting with various ways to get myself there, and so far the things that I like the most are doing a combination of the following:
1) Parallel reading: Read a chapter (or even a page) first in English, then read it in the T2 (French). I get the English versions of the books from my library so I don't have to waste the most money possible. Having read a section first in your native language makes guessing unknown words from context A LOT easier and it reduces some of the cognitive burden of trying to piece together what's happening.
2) R-L: This is listening to the audiobook in French while reading the English version, then on the second pass, listening to the audiobook in French again while reading the French book. I've found this is more useful at an intermediate level, but there's a monster thread on the old HTLAL forum about doing this from the beginning. You can do variations of this, like read a chapter in English, then read in French while listening to the French audiobook. I've done that in the past and really enjoyed it.
3) Reading on a kindle and using the electronic dictionary to tap on words.
I personally find intensive reading (looking up every unknown word) to be the most useful thing to do, but it's also the most laborious and results in me not wanting to read very often. So I try to mix it up and do intentive reading for a certain period of time, then switch to a different thing when I need a break. There's a balance between what's the most effective vs. what doesn't make me hate reading. A lot of people seem to make improvements with just doing extensive reading and pushing through all the unknowns, but that doesn't really work for me. I'm curious to see what you decide to do!
This is great advice. I actually just purchased - The Little Prince: A French/English Bilingual Reader from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0956721591/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I think i will try your method. It comes with both French and English text side-by-side. It even comes with an MP3 CD. I will have to let you all know how this goes.