10 Easy Steps to Help you Read in a Foreign Language

Most of us know how to read in our mother tongue, but few of us know how to read in a foreign language. This is the biggest challenge that many people face when trying to learn a new language. Luckily, there are plenty of resources online that can help you solve this problem.

Easy Steps to Help you Read in a Foreign Language

It’s so easy to learn a new language. You can get by just fine on the streets and on public transport with a basic vocabulary. But what about reading? How do you read in a foreign language?

1. Realize that this is not an easy task

Reading in a foreign language is possible for most of us if we have enough patience and desire to learn. Even as poor knowledge test-takers, many Chinese newcomers can catch on quickly with basic vocabulary thanks to live-tutoring classes or social media smart groups. Remember that it takes time before you’ll be able to get by reading in the subway or bus – but it’s really not rocket science.

2. Get into the habit of looking up every new word

Here’s a useful tip for those who want to read in an unknown language without spending too much effort. You see, you can easily make reading feel easier by staying ahead with even the most basic vocab. This is actually very important.

3. Reading in a foreign language is an open goal

Reading in a foreign language actually become for many people easier when they have a plan. You see, with some readers there is an “expected pattern” that exists before the book starts its reading i.e it doesn’t mean that everyone likes or abuses patterns. But I will give you one tip – if your first attempt to read won’t go so well and struggle, don’t be shocked too much.

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4. Learn simpler words first

When you want to read in a foreign language, the most important thing first is to learn vocabulary. You see, learning words at an early stage can greatly complement your training process and enhance reading skills immeasurably.

5. Set a time to spend reading

There’s one thing for sure – you can’t learn and read a foreign language all day long. Reading does take time but it doesn’t mean that it needs to be used as only a study method. I get people every day asking me how much time per day is enough to start learning Chinese – from a few minutes up until an hour or more.

6. Always carry a book with yourself

As a foreign language learner, you can’t get away from your book all the time. Sure much of what is written on vocabulary books and newspaper articles may miss your attention over time but it doesn’t mean to stop reading altogether as well – must be not just one thing at once. Remember that reading in a foreign language will indeed “orientate” you as food does for our body.

7. Enjoy what you are doing

Even if you encounter problems, try to remember this one thing – reading in a foreign language is ‘fun’. It might not seem so now but with time it will definitely help develop your reading skills and techniques.

8. Make a list of books you want to read

Quite frankly, I still do not get a list of what to study whenever they come up with questions on the reading. There’s only one recommendation I can give – make lists! If there are some books that have always attracted your interest and exciting motivation since the day it was released – try adding notes in a notebook from time to time if you don’t have them yet.

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9. Use the new language daily

Use the foreign language as often makes it easier to learn than not use”. This quote goes in my personal account and also on some of my blog posts. To put into action what was said above, carry a little phrasebook with yourself around all day or every time you could find – morning routine with friends, waiting at an interview, etc.

10. Carry a pocket dictionary

I don’t see this exercise as a single remark but rather the whole course of making reading – hard and enjoyable. Try your best to find out what each word meant or written using their ‘native’ dictionaries; translate some phrases you came across onto notepaper. Using these techniques whether it is looking into words, listening for expression-specific speech patterns, questioning people’s understanding with facial expressions, etc.