When I read a German text, I use the strategy taught in my elementary
school many years ago when we learned a foreign language – basically stop and look
up the word you don’t know, add it to an on-going list of vocabulary, and memorize
the words. The problem with this is that
the vocabulary list continues to grow and somehow I find myself memorizing (or not!) the
same words over and over. After reading
the text, I realize that I am “reading for structure” and not “reading for
meaning”. So in answer to the question,
yes, my strategy is clearly defined in the article but it does not seem to be very effective.
At times when I encounter a difficult text, I get
discouraged because it takes so long to stop/ look up the word/ note in vocabulary
list/ go back to the text. I don’t
really get to appreciate the entire content this way. I figure though, that to speak a language you
have to know vocabulary and memorization has got to be important.
I guess the advantage of reading “top-down” is that you get
to appreciate the content of the text and enjoy reading much more than with my
current strategy. However, if I continue
to read top-down…will I ever get to be fluent? And how can we say we really speak the language when the vocabulary continues to be so limited? The advantage of reading “bottom-up” at least
for me is that I am expanding my vocabulary…but I do find reading German text
quite frustrating at times….
Maybe what I need to do is a combination of both strategies? And persevere in reading even when I don’t
understand every single word…?
I think there is not a universal key to reading and understanding German text. You have to find your own strategy that works for you. Of course you should learn different approaches, techniques, and strategies and then find the best way for you how to deal with German texts. We will take a closer look at different suggestions and how they work. Looking at the text; are their other ideas you find could work and want to try them out for yourself?
ReplyDeleteI will try the skimming/scanning method, then go back to more thoroughly read the text to understand the overall meaning. The key for me is to persevere and continue. I tend to want to give up when the text is too complicated, but I also know with time and practice my skills will improve
ReplyDeleteI will try the skimming/scanning method, then go back to more thoroughly read the text to understand the overall meaning. The key for me is to persevere and continue. I tend to want to give up when the text is too complicated, but I also know with time and practice my skills will improve
ReplyDeleteYou have to experiment with the different strategies and be flexible. Be patient. Don't expect to understand everything right away. And give yourself time to move away from the text. Get some distance. Use reflection and let it make sense to you. Key is to engage the text. Don't be pasive but read creative. Sounds easy but it takes training; a lot.
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