Book & Review Forums: Bulfinch's Mythology
my dusty dictionary
Bulfinch makes me use my dusty dictionary (or mostly online dictionary) with his vocabulary. Written at around 1860 (?) the language is quaint and seeing as English isn't my first language I sometimes need some help. Don't let this influence you to much though, try it for yourself, it's easier than you think.
Replies (3)
Posted by
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English IS my first language and I come across words I do not know! The language has evolved so much in the last century that you will encounter this with many of the old books available on the site but it is a good way to expand your vocabulary.
Jan 15, 2009 10:12 am
by cresswga -
In addition to Cresswga's excellent advise let me add that, when you first get it, print it and underline any unfamiliar vocabulary. Look up the appropriate definitions and note these in the margin. Finally, read it referencing these definitions. Even native speakers should do this with archaic texts.
I've taught this method to students of English as a foreign language and it works. Remember SCANNING is not reading and should only take a couple minutes. In doing it you are only searching for unfamiliar words, not trying to understand the passage.
Bye for now,
JohnJan 15, 2009 11:29 am
by John_Rempel -
John: That's great advice! On a slightly unrelated note, annotation also works when you are trying to understand poetry. When I'm trying to get the sense of what a poem is telling me, I mark up the entire margin with scribbled notes and musings. Luckily I subscribe to DailyLit, so librarians won't need to panic at the sight of graffitied poetry books.
Jun 26, 2009 2:33 pm
by wellreadscholar
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