Reading and vocabulary have a mutually beneficial relationship, with reading expanding vocabulary. However, for this to work, readers must actively try to learn new words. Reading and vocabulary develop together, with reading allowing for the discovery of new words. Vocabulary expansion allows for higher-level reading, but specialized subjects may require specific vocabulary. A broad range of subjects is necessary for a deep and broad vocabulary.
The relationship between reading and vocabulary is typically one of mutual improvement and growth. This is because as someone reads more, their vocabulary typically expands and grows and therefore they are able to read a wider range of works. While there are some exceptions to this idea, in general, a person is likely to develop a stronger vocabulary by reading and perusing a wide variety of materials. For reading and vocabulary to have this mutually beneficial relationship, however, a reader needs to be sure that they are actually trying to improve their vocabulary as they read by learning new words.
Reading and vocabulary are both important concepts within any written language and typically develop together for young people. Although most children begin to acquire speaking before reading, this language development is often quite limited. As the child begins to read and write, his or her vocabulary typically expands far beyond what it previously had. This is because reading and vocabulary are linked as a process of learning and expanding ideas.
As a person reads, they are likely to encounter new words and ideas that they have never read before. Even though many teachers focus on classroom vocabulary lessons, no amount of lessons can ever hope to teach every available word in a complex written language. Reading and vocabulary are important to each other because reading provides an opportunity to discover new words, so that the reader’s vocabulary can grow and expand.
This is not an absolute relationship, however, and reading can be done without any improvement in vocabulary. Someone reading a book below his reading level is unlikely to encounter new or unfamiliar words. Similarly, if someone encounters a new word, but simply rolls over it without making an effort to understand it, their vocabulary is unlikely to expand. Reading and vocabulary often only work together if the reader actually tries hard to understand a new word.
As someone’s vocabulary expands through reading, then he or she is able to read at a higher level. This allows a person to tackle more challenging literary or written work as their understanding of language is improved. Reading and vocabulary don’t always benefit each other in this way, however, as someone may not be able to encounter specialized words or language when reading a text related to another matter.
Someone reading a sports magazine, for example, is unlikely to encounter new words that would help him read a Shakespearean tragedy. Likewise, reading Chaucer is unlikely to give anyone the vocabulary needed to understand the operational specifics of wireless devices. That’s why it’s important for someone to read a wide range of subjects to develop a broad, as well as deep, vocabulary.
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