lähilugemine

Lähilugemine, a Finnish term, translates directly to "close reading" in English. It is an analytical approach to reading that focuses on a deep and thorough examination of a text. The primary goal of lähilugemine is to understand the nuances of language, structure, and meaning within a specific passage or work.

This method involves paying close attention to individual words, phrases, sentences, and even punctuation. Readers practicing lähilugemine might analyze word choice, identify literary devices such as metaphors or similes, and explore the significance of recurring patterns or symbols. The structure of the text, including its organization and the flow of ideas, is also a critical component of this analytical process.

Lähilugemine is not about summarizing or simply understanding the plot. Instead, it seeks to uncover how the text creates meaning and achieves its effects. It often involves rereading passages multiple times, making annotations, and questioning assumptions about the text. This intensive form of reading is widely used in literary studies, linguistics, and other fields where detailed textual analysis is essential. The focus remains on the text itself, often drawing conclusions solely from the evidence presented within its pages.