Quickly Improve Listening and Reading Comprehension
Azren's Top Language Learning Tips: 3 of 12
Note before you read this article: Everyone has their own take on effective ways to learn a language. Because of this, last summer I decided to try distilling fundamental truths about language learning that all, or at least most, language learning experts would agree on.
This is the third lesson. You can watch the video here, listen on Spotify here, or keep scrolling down to read a summary. You can see all 12 lessons by clicking here.
Feel free to contact me at https://azrenthelanguagenerd.com/contact if you have any questions about language learning or if you’d like to inquire about taking private/small-group lessons
Use material that matches your current level. This is what matters most.
If you’re getting frustrated when reading/listening, it’s too hard. If you’re getting bored, it’s too easy.
Here’s another simple test you can do to identify if something is the right level for you.
Find a video, podcast, or text (for reading)
Consume a short portion of it (30-60 seconds of audio/video or 100-200 words for reading).
Without using dictionaries, translators, or slowing down the audio, ask yourself what percentage of the content you understood. The bare minimum should be 60%, though the higher the comprehension percentage, the better.
Next, listen and/or read to the material you found as often as you can. Pay attention while you listen/read.
If you did this, you will naturally improve. It’s as simple as that.
Here are other optional strategies you can try, if you want to. See what works for you. Not everything below will resonate with everyone, so this will be a process of trial and error.
For video or audio, turn on the subtitles. Alternatively, find a transcript. As you listen/read, look up unfamiliar words or phrases using DeepL, Chat GPT, or another similar translator. Google Translate offers the most languages, but overall is my least favourite translator due to it frequently providing inaccurate translations. I don’t use it unless I don’t have another choice.
Create flashcards for review as you read/listen/watch. Make cards with sentences or phrases rather than individual words.
Consume only 1 genre of content or 1 content creator to reinforce a very narrow set of vocabulary.
If you have any questions/comments or if you’d like to inquire about taking private/semi-private lessons, contact me here.