How do I start ?

[gce]

Hi, there,

I am 43 now and semi-retired. English is my second language. I have studied English since kintergarden but, frankly speaking, have not fully handled it. My secondary school teacher used story book King Auther to teach literature, which made me asleep every lesson.

Now, I am thinking to study literature by myself and do not know how to study. What books should I start reading? How do I learn those books' contents ?

Thanks a lot.
gce

[Bakiryu]

Um, hello. I don't know what to say. English is my second language as well but I learned it in a year, but if your knowledge of it is not that good you should start with simplified books or books you read in your original language translated into English!

[Aiculík]

Well, I can only say and recommend what helped me...

I began with abriged, simplified books, I choose them according to the level - I remember the very first was The Elephant Man... Mostly I chose books I already knew - that I'd read in the translation before, so that I knew what the book is about. I read every book at least twice... during the first reading I never used any dictionary, simply underlying the words I didn't understand and trying to guess their meaning from the context.

Then during second reading, I checked up all underlined words, if I was right. Or I'd take the translation and check what words the translator used - often it was much more helpful than dictionaries.

It was difficult and rather slow process, but, few years later, I'm able to read and understand almost anything.

[ThousandthIsle]

You might be interested in starting out with classic literature. Most classic lit will have an introduction that will guide you in interpretting the text (along with giving you its history and a brief history of the author). Unfortunately, most introductions discuss the more important points, plot twists, or ending of the book, which takes away the aspect of wondering what will happen. But it also might be helpful for learning to recognize the deeper meanings of the text.

And as Aiculik said, it might be good to pick up some classics that you are already familiar with, but would enjoy again!

[Video Drone]

I got my English from Harry Potter... but then again, I'm not 43. I'm not sure where your level is. My mom is learning English by reading Penguin Books which are shortened and simplified versions of classic works. You can find many in most libraries.

But I don't appreciate of that much, I think you should just find yourself a moderately simple book, like Catcher in the Rye or Harry Potter, most importantly, something you would enjoy reading.

[Pensive]

I got my English from Harry Potter...

Harry Potter series also improved my English. :) I think after learning basic grammar skills, novels in that specific language are the best source of actually learning that language. :)

By the way, gce, did you choose your user-name because of some reason related to GCE O Levels? I am very curious. :D

[Cicilin]

English is also my second language.
I think reading is indeed the best way to improve one's English skill -- yet it is not very effective for speaking. I 've read several Penguin Books and found this series very easy and good for beginners.
Of course, I agree with Pensive, it is necessary to learn some basic grammer knowledge before you start to read the literature works.

GCE, go ahead!

[Video Drone]

GCE has grammar knowledge, look at the post.

[uranderson]

Maybe something by Hemingway?

His prose style was very simple on the surface, so maybe it will more accessible for a non-native speaker?

I would recommend the Nick Adams stories if you want a short introduction. Or if you prefer a novel, try The Sun Also Rises or A Farewell to Arms.

If you are left wondering about how much you are "getting" you could try reading it with some cliff's notes handy.

[Cicilin]

Maybe something by Hemingway?

His prose style was very simple on the surface, so maybe it will more accessible for a non-native speaker?

I would recommend the Nick Adams stories if you want a short introduction. Or if you prefer a novel, try The Sun Also Rises or A Farewell to Arms.

If you are left wondering about how much you are "getting" you could try reading it with some cliff's notes handy.


:) I think the works you recommended are also available for me, as I am now learning English too! Thank you!

[uranderson]

:) I think the works you recommended are also available for me, as I am now learning English too! Thank you!

np, just try to have some tissues handy if you read A Farewell to Arms. :)