genlæsning

Genlæsning, meaning "re-reading" in Danish, is the practice of reading a text again after an initial reading to deepen understanding, reconsider interpretations, and reveal details not evident at first. In literary criticism and education, genlæsning is used to move from surface meaning to more nuanced readings of structure, language, motifs, and character development. The approach rests on the idea that a second encounter with a text can uncover inconsistencies, shifts in tone, or connections to other works that were not apparent during the first pass.

In educational settings, genlæsning is often guided by questions, prompts, or specified focal points. Learners may annotate, compare passages, or discuss how their perceptions change between readings. Book clubs or reading circles may use genlæsning to encourage reflective discussion and collective interpretation.

Benefits of genlæsning include deeper comprehension, improved critical thinking, and greater awareness of authorial craft. It can also support metacognitive skills by making readers aware of their own interpretive processes and biases. Potential limitations include the time required and the risk of over-interpretation if second readings are not grounded in textual evidence or guided by clear objectives.

Genlæsning relates to broader concepts such as close reading, rereading, and reader-response theory, all of which emphasize the active role of the reader in constructing meaning through repeated engagement with a text.