would classical novels help better than modern novels?

Question

0By "classical" I mean novels written in pre-20th centuries. I'd like to hear opinions from English speakers on whether classical novels help improve English effectively.02br02br00Currently I am reading Jane Austen's "Pride and prejudice" and Oscar Wilde's "The picture of Dorian Grey" alternatively. If my primary purpose of reading is to improve my English, would old novels written in an old and formal style of the language help me with my communication with others effectively? I'd like to hear anyone's opinion on this. Thank you.02br02br00Raen0-

Clive · Accepted Answer

0Hi,02br
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00They'll help you, but you'll also encounter outdated vocabulary and style. 02br
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00I'd go for something a bit more contemporary. 02br
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00Best wishes, Clive0-

CalifJim · Answer

0 01blockquote

01cite10Raen12cite10would old novels written in an old and formal style of the language help me with my communication with others effectively?12blockquote

10 No. Or very little. There's very little in the conversational style presented in Austen's works, for example, that you will find useful today. I would guess that almost anything written since 1930 or so might be more appropriate to your goals, although even there you will find some expressions which are no longer used.02br
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00CJ 0-

Marius Hancu · Answer

0They'll help you in terms of solid structure and syntax, less so in terms of modern dialogue or recent vocabulary. 02br
00Use a healthy mix of old and recent. 0-

Raen · Answer

0Thank you all, you have helped me make a decision and I appreciate it.02br
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00A friend suggested a list of novels (classic and contemporary) in chronological order for me to read to improve my English, I started on top of the list. But I have found it hard to have a connection with the dialogues used in those books, and I know no matter how hard I try I would certainly not, and will ever, talk like that. I now will start on those close to the bottom of the list. Thank you all.02br
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00By the way, would anyone suggest some books to me for the obvious purpose of improving my English? Thank you.02br
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00Raen0-

CalifJim · Answer

0 It all depends what you're interested in. Why not browse the offerings in your local book store or library?02br
00Do you want fiction? If so, adventure? mystery? romance?02br
00Non-fiction? If so, politics? history? science?02br
00I don't think the specific books make any difference. The same grammatical structures will appear in any book you choose. And if you choose, over time, a good variety, you'll get exposure to many different spheres of vocabulary.02br
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00You could even just browse the Internet, especially forums, if you want to get the flavor of informal conversation on a variety of topics. You'll encounter some bad grammar, and some slang, but it will all be, on the average, fairly representative and authentic English.02br
00CJ 0-

Raen · Answer

0Thank you CJ for taking time giving me advice. You're right I think I should start by "browsing", thank you.02br
02br
00Raen0-

would classical novels help better than modern novels?

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