Episode 77: Extensive Reading for Effective Language Learning

Love, Joy, and Languages

In today's episode I talk about extensive reading for effective language learning. Like I said in last week's episode, extensive input can be an excellent part of any language journey, but it can also go wrong. I feel very lucky that I didn't give up when it went very wrong for me. During my year-long project to boost my Italian to B2, extensive reading was one of my main (and favorite!) methods. Today I share a bit of my language journey and the early struggles I had trying to read in Italian, and then I share exactly what I did to make this method work for me in improving my language throughout the intermediate levels. I talk about all the reading sources I used, and also the ways in which I saw my Italian language improve.

Language learning can be a very long journey, and it can feel like we're never going to get where we want to be. So it's very exciting and motivating to be able to look back and see exactly how my language has improved and what worked to get me there. I hope to inspire you all, as well, not just to read more (though that's always something I hope to inspire), but also to keep going. Find what brings you joy in languages, stick with what's working for you, and take note of all the ways your language journey is improving. I guarantee it really is improving.

Other content mentioned in this episode:
E76: Good Advice Gone Wrong: Input, Input, Input: http://www.lovejoyandlanguagespodcast.com/
E67: Let's Talk About Flashcards: http://www.lovejoyandlanguagespodcast.com/episode-67
Profondo Come il Mare, Leggero Come il Cielo, by Gianluca Gotto
List of International websites for National Geographic here
Simple Italian Podcast, by Simone Pols
Vaporetto Italiano Podcast, by Francesco Cositore
Stivale Italiano, by Alessandro and Carolina
iTalki, where I find language teachers and tutors (this is my Refer a Friend link)
Italian CILS B2 Exam Prep Book I used: Traguardo CILS B2

Where to find me:
Love, Joy, and Languages Blog
All podcast episodes can be found at http://www.lovejoyandlanguagespodcast.com/.
Instagram: @love.joyandlanguages
X (Twitter): @LoveJoy_Lang