Ilya Frank’s Reading Method

Ilya Frank’s Reading Method

This is a unique method that has been very successful in Russia for 20 years. Ilya Frank, German philologist and polyglot from Moscow developed the method. Under his supervision, more than 430 books have been prepared in 63 languages (of those, 150 books in English) for Russian speakers. New editions are printed regularly and eBooks are also part of the offer. In Russian-speaking areas, there are many enthusiastic users that can now read original versions without help thanks to this method.

 

Extensive Reading

The method follows the approach of extensive learning (extensive reading), the benefits of which have already been proven. But the method goes much further. Original works from world literature are read that have not been shortened or simplified, but are supplemented by comments and a special translation.

The readers are supposed to understand every word precisely. The sentences are broken up into smaller segments, each with a translation. If the literary translation does not fulfill this goal (the exact meaning of each word cannot be expressed because the literary translation differs greatly from the original), a literal translation is added. This can pertain to an entire segment of a sentence or just a small group of words.

In addition to the translation, comments are added where necessary. These comments provide the original forms of the verbs and explanations of the meanings of individual words or word groups. Such explanations are necessary when the word is not used with its primary meaning in the sentence. In this case, the word is explained separately, with its alternative and primary meanings in the sentence.

Thus, readers can efficiently expand their vocabulary and repeat it. If the reader reads regularly, a concept of the meaning and facets of each individual word is created in the learning memory, something that can never be achieved by simply learning vocabulary by rote. And without any effort at all.

The text of the original work is divided into paragraphs. First, there is a paragraph with an integrated translation and comments. Directly after that, the same text in its original form. This gives the reader the feeling they are actually reading the original version, while also being able to precisely understand the particularities of the language and the work. This feeling is very important to be able to later easily read the original version without any assistance. First, however, the reader has to regularly read books prepared using the reading method to build up the necessary vocabulary.

For example: People who read 2 hours per day expand their vocabulary by approx. 1,000 words per month. 10,000 words are generally enough to comfortably and easily read the original. Thus, the reader can read the original books after 6-12 months (depending on the starting level and intensity of reading).

 

Benefits of the Method

Efficient and effortless expansion of vocabulary; thanks to the detailed comments, each word can be understood precisely and no dictionary is required. By reading regularly, the words remain in the reader’s memory without having to learn vocabulary by rote. The words, along with their various meanings and usages, stay in the reader’s memory.

The reader learns to read and precisely understand the original version. A professional translator assists like a coach and supports the reader in understanding the original text. The reader also obtains valuable information about the particularities of the language in passing. Over time, the reader becomes familiar with the various constructions of the literary language.

The method is also perfect for people who are re-entering the learning process. They are already familiar with the basics of the language, but have nearly forgotten the vocabulary. Thanks to reading regularly, the vocabulary comes back quickly and can be further improved.

Repeating and Improving Grammar. Thanks to the continuous repetitions, the grammar rules remain in the reader’s memory forever.