Reading tips: Extensive reading with Kindle and Audible books

Hey,

Lately, I've been concentrating on reading. In particular using Kindle and Audible to read and listen at the same time.

This is a good method because: 

1) You get to hear how words are pronounced - important as Japanese words have many readings

2) It is a massive time saver as books are read at native speed

3) You can easily look up words in the Kindle dictionary

In my day job as an English teacher we have a program where students have to read 60 hours per semester. Depending on their level (TOEFL scores) they may have to do 1-3 semesters that include 60 hours each of reading. It seems effective at getting students to a level where they can read enough English for undergraduate level university courses. So in my own Japanese learning I have tried to do the same. 

As you know reading in a second language is a slow process. But using Kindle books and Audible readings of the same books saves you time as the narrator reads at native speed - so probably faster than your own reading speed.

You might think "hey I can't keep up!" but I've found you get used to the native speed fairly quickly. Within a few listens or two. Also if you need to slow it down the Audible player can be adjusted to slow the speed. 

My routine is 30 mins per day (around 180 hours of reading time in a year). 

I've signed up to Audible Japan and audiobook.jp as they have different audiobook selections. 

If you are interested in trying this out try downloading the Audible, audiobook.jp and Kindle apps links below.

Audible https://amzn.to/3pUJ92y

Kindle https://amzn.to/3rmOqzX

Audiobook

www.audiobook.jp

Good luck with your reading!

Mark