ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: would classical novels help better than modern novels?

Raen — Sat, 03 May 2008 07:00:21 GMT

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

Raen

Re: would classical novels help better than modern novels?

CalifJim — Sat, 03 May 2008 06:48:21 GMT

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.

Re: would classical novels help better than modern novels?

Raen — Sat, 03 May 2008 06:21:12 GMT

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

Re: would classical novels help better than modern novels?

Marius Hancu — Sat, 03 May 2008 04:46:38 GMT

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.

Re: would classical novels help better than modern novels?

CalifJim — Sat, 03 May 2008 03:05:25 GMT

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.

Re: would classical novels help better than modern novels?

Clive — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:26:37 GMT

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

would classical novels help better than modern novels?

Raen — Fri, 02 May 2008 22:11:49 GMT

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