subvocation

Subvocation refers to the act of silently mouthing words or thinking them in one's head while reading. It is a natural, though often unconscious, byproduct of learning to read. When we first learn to read, we typically sound out words aloud, and as we progress, this process becomes internalized. Subvocalization is essentially the internal rehearsal of this sounding-out process.

For many readers, subvocalization can slow down reading speed. This is because the pace of subvocalization is limited by the speed at which one can speak or mentally articulate words, which is significantly slower than the speed at which the brain can process visual information. Eliminating or reducing subvocalization is a common goal in speed-reading techniques. Methods to achieve this include focusing on comprehension of phrases rather than individual words, using a pointer to guide the eyes across the text at a faster pace, or engaging in activities that occupy the subvocalization mechanism, such as chewing gum or humming.

However, completely eliminating subvocalization is not always desirable. For some individuals, particularly those with learning disabilities like dyslexia, subvocalization can be a crucial tool for comprehension and decoding. It provides an auditory component that aids in processing and remembering the text. Therefore, while it can be a barrier to speed for proficient readers, it can also be a vital support mechanism for others. The extent to which subvocalization occurs can vary greatly among individuals and even within the same individual depending on the difficulty and familiarity of the text.