Are you looking to improve your proficiency by reading? Skimming news articles, magazines, and even catalogs can improve vocabulary and boost your grammar, but second language learners often turn to novels as a more engaging way to work on reading comprehension. It is generally more enjoyable to involve yourself in a book with an interesting plot than to read through short, informational articles. Also, the language of novels is often less formal, particularly when heavy on dialogue, so you can pick up on important tools such as greetings, common fillers, and slang. You can improve your communication skills without uttering a word!
Choosing a book, however, can be stressful, since there are a few factors you should first take into consideration. For example, many second language learners attempt to begin with the classics. While this is a good way to immerse yourself in the literary culture of the country in question, it is not recommended that you jump right to the traditional literature in the target language. Think about it – would you suggest reading Great Expectations or Ulysses to a student of English? Probably not, even though these are considered some of the greatest contributions to English literature.
Another common question is whether or not one should read young children’s books, since these are often less challenging and provide images that correspond to the plot. However, children’s books are often marked by oversimplified vocabulary (understandably), unnaturally short and easy sentences, and even nonsensical words and themes. If you do not wish to sound like a child, avoid reading books created for young children. Other types of books to avoid are those that involve very old-fashioned vocabulary or complex scientific or fantastical elements. This is not to say you should avoid all science fiction and fantasy, but if half of the book in question consists of invented vocabulary, you may become frustrated, as it may not always be obvious if a word is unknown to you or if it is simply made-up.
So what should you choose? I would recommend reading a book whose plot you are already familiar with. This way, you can focus on the language – the vocabulary and the grammar – instead of struggling to understand the basic events of the story. As juvenile as it may sound, I always recommend reading Harry Potter in the target language, even (or especially) if you have already read it in your native language. It is true that the series is typically directed toward young adults, but the books have proven to engage children and adults alike. Additionally, while J.K. Rowling does invent words, they are usually fairly easy to spot, particularly when they are the same in both languages. From a linguistic perspective, the translation of the Harry Potter series is actually quite fascinating, as it presents a number of challenges that typical novels do not, such as riddles, proper names, songs, and anagrams. Another reason I suggest these books is that they are translated into over 60 languages, so there’s a very good chance you can find a translation in your target language. If Harry Potter does not sound enjoyable to you, my best suggestion is to find a book that would naturally interest you in your native language. If you like murder mysteries, for example, pick up a contemporary, fairly popular crime novel that is not too long and whose basic plot sounds interesting to you.
Which books did you read when learning a second language? Do you have any recommendations? We’d love to read your comments below!
