reciter

A reciter is a person who recites aloud from memory or from a text. The term also applies to an entity that performs vocalized recitation, such as a voice-equipped device or software.

In many cultures, recitation is a professional or ritual practice. In Islam, qurrā are specialized reciters of the Quran, distinguished by rules of tajweed (proper pronunciation and intonation). Quran recitation is considered a devotional act and is often performed in mosques, gatherings, and competitions. In other traditions, reciters perform poetry, literature, and oral history, using voice, rhythm, and emphasis to convey meaning and preserve stylistic features of the text.

In poetry, drama, and oral literature, reciters perform live readings or formal recitations, preserving tradition and stylistic features such as meter, cadence, and emphasis. They may operate in classroom settings, public venues, or at cultural festivals, complementing written text with performative interpretation.

In modern technology, a reciter can refer to a text-to-speech system or a component of a digital assistant that converts written text into spoken language. In this context, reciters enable spoken output from electronic devices, apps, and accessibility tools.

Etymology: from Latin recitare; related terms include reciter, reader, lector.