leeswijze

Leeswijze is a Dutch term that refers to the manner or approach in which a person reads a text. It encompasses both the cognitive strategies used to process written material and the way text is presented or accessed in a given context. The word is formed from lezen (to read) and wijze (manner or method).

In educational and literacy contexts, leeswijze is used to describe how readers interact with texts and how instruction can support different reading approaches. Variants include thorough or close reading, where a reader analyzes details and evidence, and global or skimming reading, where the goal is to grasp main ideas quickly. Other aspects of leeswijze include reading speed, comprehension focus, and active strategies such as annotating, questioning, or summarizing. Different tasks, texts, and goals may favor different leeswijzen, and teachers may teach a range of reading strategies to develop multilingual or literacy skills.

In publishing and information design, leeswijze can also refer to how text is presented to improve readability. This includes typography, layout, line length, spacing, and the availability of reading modes in digital formats. A reader’s preferred leeswijze can be influenced by purpose (study vs. leisure), environment, and accessibility needs.

Overall, leeswijze is a flexible, context-dependent concept describing how readers approach and engage with written material. It highlights the diversity of reading practices and the ways text design and instruction can support effective reading. See also reading strategies, close reading, skimming, scanning, and reading pedagogy.