“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

– Dr. Seuss

There are different ways to successfully learn and develop a new language including speaking, listening, reading, writing, and practicing the language with other native speakers. Needless to say, reading books is one great way to improve your language skills if you want to learn new vocabulary and express yourself better.

Keep it short and sweet by starting with simple stories that are suitable for your language level. For example, there are many short story books with just one line on each page. However, once you get the hang of it, you will feel more confident to move on to advanced books. One of my favorites is ‘The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. This book has just one sentence on each page, but its moral message is a valuable one.

So, how does reading help develop the new target language?

Reading broadens your imagination by stimulating the right side of the brain which leads to increased creativity. Hence, enhancing learning and the memory process.  It also helps build and expand your vocabulary by learning alternatives for everyday words that you already use, such as good, bad and nice. In fact, authors spend a lot of time to research the appropriate words to be used in accordance with the context and situation.

Well written books take you to new places and make you change the way you see the world by discovering things that you may never have the chance to do otherwise. Reading triggers imagination while having the most exposure to the new language.  So, what are you waiting for? Along with all the other skills, begin reading books as to nurture all the senses and spark the new language in your head!