lukuintoa

Lukuintoa is a Finnish term that refers to the willingness and motivation to read, especially for pleasure, rather than merely the ability to decode words. In Finnish literacy discourse, lukuinto is considered a key facet of reading engagement and a complement to traditional measures of reading skill such as decoding and vocabulary.

Etymology and usage: The word combines lukea, “to read,” with into, meaning “desire” or “enthusiasm.” It is commonly used in education, research, and publishing to describe a reader’s interest, persistence, and positive attitudes toward texts. The concept emphasizes voluntary reading activity and the personal satisfaction derived from reading.

Factors and influences: Lukuinto is shaped by text accessibility, perceived reading level, and the degree of choice and autonomy offered to readers. Genre relevance, cultural relevance, and the availability of appealing books and digital reading options also play important roles. A supportive classroom climate, guidance from teachers, and opportunities for independent reading contribute to higher lukuinto, particularly among younger students and in transitions to more complex texts.

Measurement and impact: Researchers often assess lukuinto through self-report scales on reading enjoyment and motivation, combined with observations of reading time and engagement. Higher lukuinto is associated with greater reading volume, stronger reading attitudes, and better literacy outcomes over time. It is not a universal, standardized measure but a concept used to understand and support reading motivation.

See also: Reading motivation, Reading engagement, Literacy.