Learning Portuguese doesn’t need to be tedious. If you don’t enjoy learning languages with textbooks or sitting in a classroom, there are other ways to approach it.

Today, I want to discuss the benefits of learning a language through reading stories. Additionally, I will suggest some best practices to help you get the most out of it. Read on.

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The Perils of Grammar

I find that most students that overdo grammar don’t do especially well when they try to speak Portuguese in real life.

There’s something insidious about studying grammar. It may give us an illusory sense of progress and control as we analyze our target language and make sense of the rules that govern it. Yet, learning habits that rely too heavily on grammar may do more harm than good.

See, too much emphasis on grammar makes us overly self-conscious and worried about grammar correctness. We easily get caught up in our minds grammar-checking everything as we try to string words together into sentences. This leads to an overworked brain that will prevent us from speaking more fluently.

Becoming fluent in a foreign language entails more than just mastering a set of abstract rules. We need to allow the language to sink deeper into us and that’s where in-context learning materials like stories come into play.

Learning Through Stories 

We learn a foreign language best when we practice with compelling materials that we can make sense of and relate to. 

If our learning materials are engaging and enjoyable, they become effortless and pleasurable to absorb. This naturally leads to a desire for more, resulting in significant exposure to our target language.

Now, provided they are adequately designed for language learners, stories are not just any input. They reflect everyday language usage that nurtures your idiomatic feel for Portuguese. But there’s more.

When we read stories we are also learning grammar! Not in the conventional sense though. Instead, we are effortlessly assimilating syntactic structures that govern our target language. The more we do it, the deeper these structures will sink in us.

Learning grammar intuitively is achievable and beneficial. It allows you to speak flawlessly without constantly thinking about grammar rules, which leads to smoother conversations.

Lastly, learning new words within a context dramatically boosts their memorability. Instead of isolated definitions, connecting words to characters, feelings, situations, or locations strengthens our ability to remember them later.

Finding Your Sweet Spot

As already pointed out, learning a language is more effective and enjoyable when you use engaging and practical materials.

However, jumping straight into complex works by authors like José Saramago or Clarice Lispector might not be the most realistic and sustainable way to start. Instead, look for resources specifically designed for language learners.

These resources are usually categorized by the CEFR framework, which reflects different proficiency levels. As a beginner, choose A1-A2 level books with short chapters, simple sentences, and clear paragraphs. As your language skills develop, choose materials within the A2-B1 range instead. And so on.

The key is to find a balance: your reading material should challenge you and help you improve, but it shouldn’t be so difficult that it takes away the fun and makes you quit.

If it’s too easy, you won’t learn much. Look for something more challenging. On the other hand, if you constantly need a dictionary, it will be mentally exhausting, and you’ll likely abandon the book. Choose something more manageable.

Put another way, effective language learning through reading involves finding the sweet spot between ambition and enjoyment. The CEFR-grading will help you find materials that fit your current level.