would classical novels help better than modern novels?

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Raen

#508730 Fri, 02 May 08 11:11 PM

By "classical" I mean novels written in pre-20th centuries. I'd like to hear opinions from English speakers on whether classical novels help improve English effectively.

Currently I am reading Jane Austen's "Pride and prejudice" and Oscar Wilde's "The picture of Dorian Grey" alternatively. If my primary purpose of reading is to improve my English, would old novels written in an old and formal style of the language help me with my communication with others effectively? I'd like to hear anyone's opinion on this. Thank you.

Raen

Joined on Thu, May 1 2008

Junior Member (67)

Clive

#508740 Sat, 03 May 08 12:26 AM

Hi,

They'll help you, but you'll also encounter outdated vocabulary and style.

I'd go for something a bit more contemporary.

Best wishes, Clive

Clive

Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004

Canada

Veteran Member (19,291)

El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo

Vocabulary

CalifJim

#508786 Sat, 03 May 08 04:05 AM

Raen
would old novels written in an old and formal style of the language help me with my communication with others effectively?

No. Or very little. There's very little in the conversational style presented in Austen's works, for example, that you will find useful today. I would guess that almost anything written since 1930 or so might be more appropriate to your goals, although even there you will find some expressions which are no longer used.

CalifJim

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Veteran Member (15,685)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

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Marius Hancu

#508825 Sat, 03 May 08 05:46 AM

They'll help you in terms of solid structure and syntax, less so in terms of modern dialogue or recent vocabulary.

Use a healthy mix of old and recent.

Marius Hancu

Joined on Wed, Apr 26 2006

Montreal, Canada

Veteran Member (11,270)

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Raen

#508839 Sat, 03 May 08 07:21 AM

Thank you all, you have helped me make a decision and I appreciate it.

A friend suggested a list of novels (classic and contemporary) in chronological order for me to read to improve my English, I started on top of the list. But I have found it hard to have a connection with the dialogues used in those books, and I know no matter how hard I try I would certainly not, and will ever, talk like that. I now will start on those close to the bottom of the list. Thank you all.

By the way, would anyone suggest some books to me for the obvious purpose of improving my English? Thank you.

Raen

CalifJim

#508846 Sat, 03 May 08 07:48 AM

It all depends what you're interested in. Why not browse the offerings in your local book store or library?

Do you want fiction? If so, adventure? mystery? romance?

Non-fiction? If so, politics? history? science?

I don't think the specific books make any difference. The same grammatical structures will appear in any book you choose. And if you choose, over time, a good variety, you'll get exposure to many different spheres of vocabulary.

You could even just browse the Internet, especially forums, if you want to get the flavor of informal conversation on a variety of topics. You'll encounter some bad grammar, and some slang, but it will all be, on the average, fairly representative and authentic English.

CalifJim

Conversations, Grammar, Vocabulary

Raen

#508851 Sat, 03 May 08 08:00 AM

Thank you CJ for taking time giving me advice. You're right I think I should start by "browsing", thank you.

Raen