Faulty Reading Habits
Certain faulty reading habits can hinder efficient reading, especially among second or foreign-language learners. These habits are often developed during early reading experiences in one’s first language and can carry over into other languages, slowing down the reading process.
1. Subvocalization:
Subvocalization refers to the habit of silently pronouncing the words or murmuring them while reading. While this can help beginners in understanding the written text, it significantly slows down the reading speed. This is because our eyes move faster than our lips or tongue. Readers who subvocalize tend to read word by word instead of reading in sense groups, which affects both speed and comprehension.
2. Finger Pointing:
Finger pointing is the habit of using one’s finger to track the words while reading. This is commonly seen in children or in learners who are unfamiliar with the writing system of a second language. Although it helps in maintaining focus on the text, it slows down the natural flow of reading and should be avoided as readers progress.
3. Regressions:
Regressions refer to the backward movement of the eyes to reread previously read words or sections. While occasional regression is natural and sometimes necessary to understand the meaning better, frequent and unnecessary regressions reduce reading speed and indicate difficulty in comprehension. To minimize regressions, learners should practice reading easier texts and gradually progress to more difficult material.
Conclusion:
To read efficiently, learners must become aware of these faulty habits and work to eliminate them. This can be achieved through regular practice with suitable reading materials and by consciously adopting better reading strategies.