Foreign Language Learning: The Power of Parallel (Bilingual) Reading

It’s no secret: reading is essential for learning a foreign language. The more you read, the bigger your vocabulary becomes, and the stronger your grammar skills grow. Sounds obvious, right?

During research I conducted at Utrecht University, I spoke with many parents of young Dutch learners from abroad. One common observation stood out: children often weren’t reading in Dutch. This is a worrying trend because reading can dramatically accelerate language learning.

The Challenge of Learning a New Language

Let’s be honest: starting to learn a new language isn’t always easy. Limited grammar knowledge and a small vocabulary make learners stumble over unfamiliar words. Looking up every word in a dictionary can quickly become tiresome and demotivating.

This is especially true for children. Naturally dynamic and playful, they aren’t inclined to spend long periods studying. Every time they pause to search for a word, they drift further away from reading—and from learning. The situation changes when a translation in their mother tongue is available.

What Is Parallel (Bilingual) Reading?

Parallel reading, also called bilingual reading, involves reading a foreign-language text alongside a translation in your native language. This approach has a long history: it was used in gymnasiums to teach foreign languages and by immigrants who wanted to learn a new language while preserving their native language and culture.

Instead of diving into the history, let’s focus on why parallel reading works so well.

Benefits of Parallel Reading

1. Learning grammar and vocabulary through comparison
   A side-by-side translation (especially useful for beginners) lets learners compare languages and quickly acquire new words and grammatical structures.
2. Building new neural connections
   The brain naturally compares words and grammar, which strengthens understanding and memory of language rules.
3. Better focus
   Looking up verbs in different tenses and forms can be exhausting, particularly for young learners. Instant access to a translation keeps attention on the text and the story.
4. Less stress
   A mother-tongue translation lowers the barrier to reading in a new language, making the experience less frustrating and more enjoyable.
5. Stronger motivation
   Learning a language can feel like hard work. Having a translation eases the challenge and creates the sense of effortless progress. As learners see their improvement, their motivation naturally grows.

With every page read in two languages, young learners take confident steps toward mastering Dutch and opening a whole new world of knowledge.