Developing Speaking Skills through Reading

Cagri Tugrul Mart

doi:10.5539/ijel.v2n6p91

Abstract

There is an increasingly high relationship between reading and speaking skills. There is no question that people who develop large reading vocabularies tend to develop large speaking vocabularies. Indeed, reading power relies on continuous improvement in vocabulary knowledge that provides communication. The importance of word knowledge, which facilitates speaking skills, has been a major resource in the development of reading skills. Therefore fostering improvement in word knowledge through wide reading has the potential for fostering improvement in speaking skills. This article focuses on how printed words relate to spoken words and finally how reading contributes to speech.

Highlights

There is an increasingly high relationship between reading and speaking skills
There is no question that people who develop large reading vocabularies tend to develop large speaking vocabularies
Reading power relies on continuous improvement in vocabulary knowledge that provides communication

Summary

Introduction

“Where there is little reading there will be little language learning. ... the student who wants to learn English will have to read himself into a knowledge of it unless he can move into an English environment” (Bright and McGregor, 1970, p.52). Bright and McGregor are of the opinion that reading is ‘the most pleasant route to command of the language’, because it is via reading ‘the student is most likely to find words used memorably with force and point.’(1970, p.53). It appears that reading is a key factor in language learning. One important notion of developing reading skills and speaking skills is to use the language for learning as well as communication. Reading can play a big part in successful language learning. Davies and Pearse (2000) stresses the importance of communication as: “Real success in English teaching and learning is when the learners can communicate in English inside and outside the classroom.”

Speaking

Reading

Integrating Reading and Speaking Skills

Findings

Conclusion