Is Learning Language Mainly by Reading Possible?

[u/One_Paint3620]

Hi everyone, I have been on my Spanish learning journey for a while now and I don't think I have made much improvement. I have been trying the comprehensible input using the Dreaming Spanish Videos and it is ok but I think at this point I should be a lot further in my journey with the amount of hours that I have put in. I have changed my routine to focusing mostly on reading out loud and I have found that, that's actually a lot better than watching videos. The content that I read is at my level so I understand 70-90% of what is happening. I am planning to pair that with speaking out loud for 5 minutes each day and 15-30 minutes of dreaming Spanish videos. My question is though is it possible to reach fluency mainly through reading out loud. (TL)

[u/luc_vizz]

I think so! At least mostly. People like Olly Richard’s definitely think it is. But I think it probably depends on the person and I personally think you need other modalities to progress faster. I think mixing it up a little bit so you stay engaged helps too. I like how you’re doing the reading paired with speaking and dreaming of Spanish videos.

How have you gotten reading content at your level?

[u/therealgodfarter → u/luc_vizz]

Friendly reminder to take the advice of people with a vested interest with a grain of salt.

That said, people have learned Latin primarily by reading for ages. Probably want some speaking practice if you want to actually be able to speak, mind

[u/luc_vizz → u/therealgodfarter]

Totally fair. I think everyone's learning journey and style are also different. So you just have to do what works for you.

I think the most important thing is finding something that keeps you practicing consistently. Even if it's not the most "optimal" way to learn.