The Importance of Reading in a Foreign Language

For the most part, when we learn a new language, we learn the conversational side. We learn how to ask where the nearest restroom is. Or, we learn how to talk to our grandparents in a way that lets them know we are okay. Oftentimes, we forget the importance of reading in a foreign language. So, if you have younger children, this is the time to introduce them to a language. Not only through conversation, but through reading and writing. You’ll find that their world will open up in great ways. It’s not too late to start. Start reading now! 

Don’t Forget the Importance of Reading in a Foreign Language

It doesn’t matter how slow you read or how slow you start off. Reading in a foreign language does great things to a child’s mind. We can’t say this enough: when you introduce a new language to a child, you are opening up their world. So, when you teach them how to read in another language, their brain opens up to so much new information. Not only will they have a wider imagination, but they will have a deeper vocabulary in another language. 

When your child learns how to read in another language, they are more fluent than a child that is only taught the spoken language. It is another level for a child to understand the spelling, grammar, and syntax of another language. So, even if your child has picked up phrases or conversational skills from speaking with you and family members, it’s another advantage to be able to read. Give them the option to better succeed. They’ll have more advantages when they can read in another language.



Author Bio

Cindy Shapiro Tracy is the owner and CEO of International Children’s Books. As a passionate multilingualist, she has made it her mission to share the joy of learning foreign languages – and to make it fun for everyone. Previously, she was in management in the private banking sector, with an MBA from Syracuse University. 

After working with the founder of International Children’s Books for over 20 years, she took over the business and now carefully curates the inventory for International Children’s Books, as well as her own foreign language bookstore, World of Reading, which she started in 1989. Since then, she has sold thousands of books to corporate, government, and educational institutions, as well as to parents and eager independent students. 

From “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” in Italian to “Green Eggs and Ham” in Polish, International Children’s Books has something to delight every child and adult!


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