When I learned to crochet, it was later in life and I took a course at our local adult night school program. I’ve recently discovered that this taught me a skill that some far, far more experienced crocheters don’t always have.
My husband’s aunt has been crocheting for over 50 years. More years than I have been alive. She is one of those people who does not use a pattern. She learned the stitches, and uses them to make beautiful afghans. This year, she had her grand daughter with her at the craft store and was asked to create a pretty lacy shawl from one of those pads of free tear-off patterns that hang in the aisles in all the big-box craft stores.
She had the pattern, she bought the yarn, but there was one problem. Crochet language was completely foreign to her. It’s a feeling I understand being in that same situation not too long ago. I was lucky that my instructor offered a class one semester in learning to read patterns and charts and that got me “fluent” in crochet.
I was able to spend a few hours with her, and after we caught up on everything that was going on in each other’s immediate families, we sat down with her pattern sheet and I translated it for her, writing it out in English and making a small swatch just to be sure I got it right. I can’t wait to see her finished project. It’s going to be a white and gold lacy shawl and I know it will be beautiful.
alookatthelittlethings 
I understand the pain there. I still have a lot to learn in the crochet department.
I have the opposite problem. I can read what I am supposed to do, but can’t always get the yarn and hook to do it.
It sounds like reading music! Some people can play an instrument so well but can’t read music at all. How great that you can help your relative this way!
You are right. I hadn’t thought of that.