When we stop to observe, there is a “voice” in our mind right now silent reading, Is not it? But first we need to know that there are three ways of reading: aloud, whispered or silent.
Practicing reading aloud can be helpful for both beginning readers and those tackling more challenging texts. For example, by listening to the reading itself, it is possible to improve understanding of the content.
This is justified by the fact that reading aloud stimulates the connection between hearing and speaking and helps to process information more effectively. As your reading skills develop, the practice of “reading while mumbling” often gradually decreases. This technique involves humming, whispering, or moving the lips while reading.
As you get better at reading, start reading silently “inside your head,” using your inner voice. At this stage, you can understand the text without having to say it out loud.
Silent reading is a valuable skill as it allows you to process text faster and more efficiently without the need for external hearing. But what does this “voice” mean?
Voice that comes to mind while reading
As we read silently, we observe a certain type of “voice” speaking to the mind. Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky described this transition as “private speech,” referring to the inner voice people use to help themselves understand texts. And what does this speech necessarily mean?
Interestingly, hearing an inner voice while reading silently is a commonplace experience for most people. According to one study, about four out of five people report that they often or always hear an inner voice when reading silently.
This inner voice can vary from person to person. Some can clearly hear a voice rendering the lyrics, while others may have a more subtle sense of intonation or rhythm.
Some people report that their inner voice resembles the way they speak or even their speaking voice, while others may perceive a voice with a different pitch or timbre than their own.
This inner voice variation can be influenced by factors such as personality, life experiences, individual preferences, and even the way each person interprets the text. It is important to emphasize that there is no set standard for the Inner Voice and that the experience can be unique to each individual.
It is interesting to note that the inner voice can be influenced by the content of the text when reading. In a study of adult readers, it was observed that the voice people hear in their heads can change depending on the context of the reading.
In fact, hearing an inner voice while reading silently is a normal part of the reading process and can be a sign that you are understanding the text well. Don’t worry if your inner voice takes on different tones or timbres, or if you hear different voices depending on what you read. This is all part of each reader’s unique experience.