Then and now..?

Question

i didn't read many books when i was a child

In middle school and high school I just read the books that were assigned in english class.

but now i'm wondering, is it possible that my conversations with people, and the way i communicate now is suffering because my vocabulary isn't good enough? and i don't know how to get the words across??

is that possible?

and how can i fix it??

does reading really improve one's communications skills and vocabulary?

Answer 1

It might be possible, because that you didn't read much when you were younger.  Not reading as much as someone who always reads on his/her freetime, won't make you stupid.  It just wouldn't improve your reading skills.  

Here's the good thing.  Your never to old to read a "book" on your own freetime.  So you can start now, and hopfully improve at reading and knowing more words.

Answer 2

Reading does improve your vocabulary, but I wouldn't say the lack of a large amount would be impeding your conversations with people - just remember the average adult reads for about 1 hour a week, or something very low.  Do you feel impeded with you not always understanding what friends are talking about?  With your communication skills, is it just that you're not getting your point across, or that you feel you can't explain what you mean?  I read a lot, but sometimes I struggle to get my point across too.  I think the important thing is just to try and express your points simply and not worry too much about being misunderstod - sometimes that happens, but most people will understand where you're coming from :-)

Answer 3

YES!!! Reading is fundamental to talking, vocabulary, spelling, grammar and context.  My daughter is autistic and I read to her when she started school, b/c she could not read it herself. With time and patience, she is learning to read and enjoys it. I keep her loaded up with books she likes to keep her reading and I watch her communication improve nearly weekly now. She started kindergarten not able to speak in complete sentences. I got her speech therapy and though she is repeating the first grade, she is getting it and able to express herself MUCH better than ever before.

Reading is related to thinking, b/c you must think about what you read. I read to relax and well as, as to be educated. My husband reads nearly compulsively, b/c he always has. My daughter reads b/c she enjoys her new found skill.