Subvocalization | Things About Speed Reading Nobody Tells You

Summary

This video script explores the concept of subvocalization and its impact on reading speed and comprehension. It defines subvocalization as the silent repetition of words while reading, which can be mechanical or mental. The script suggests that while eliminating subvocalization can increase reading speed, it may come at the cost of comprehension, with studies indicating a potential loss of 10-20%. It discusses different techniques for suppressing subvocalization, such as counting or finger tapping, with the latter being more effective in maintaining comprehension. The video encourages viewers to make informed decisions about when to suppress subvocalization based on their reading goals.

Takeaways

• 📚 Subvocalization is the silent repetition of words while reading, which can come in various forms such as whispering, mouth movements without sound, or internal repetition.
• 🔍 Mechanical subvocalization involves physical mouth or tongue movements and can be easily untrained, for example, by chewing gum while reading.
• 🧠 Mental subvocalization is the internal repetition of words in the mind, which is more challenging to suppress and may affect reading speed and comprehension.
• 🚀 Eliminating subvocalization can increase reading speed, but it may come at the cost of comprehension, with potential losses of 10 to 20 percent.
• 🔄 The focus should shift from reading words to understanding the meaning of the text, which can help overcome the unnecessary hindrance of mechanical subvocalization.
• ⚖️ The trade-off between reading speed and comprehension varies depending on the technique used to suppress subvocalization.
• 🔢 Counting while reading is one method to suppress subvocalization, but it may significantly reduce comprehension.
• 🎶 Tapping fingers on a table while reading is a more promising technique that can reduce subvocalization without as much loss in comprehension.
• 🤔 The reason tapping works better than counting is that it prevents the 'mental dispute' for speech resources, allowing for faster reading with less subvocalization.
• 📉 The cost to comprehension when suppressing mental subvocalization can vary, and it's essential to be aware of this when deciding on techniques to use.
• 📚 In summary, mechanical subvocalization can be eliminated to focus on meaning, while mental subvocalization suppression should be approached with caution due to potential comprehension loss.

Q & A

What is subvocalization and why might someone want to eliminate it?

Subvocalization is the silent repetition of words while reading. People may want to eliminate it to read faster, as it can hinder reading speed without necessarily improving comprehension.

What are the different forms of subvocalization mentioned in the script?

The forms include saying or whispering words, whispering every other word, moving the mouth without sound, and having an active tongue while keeping the mouth shut. There's also mental subvocalization, which occurs internally without any physical movement.

Why might focusing on the words rather than their meaning be a problem during reading?

Focusing on words instead of their meaning can slow down reading speed and may not contribute to a deeper understanding of the text, which is often the goal of reading.

How can one untrain mechanical subvocalization according to the script?

Mechanical subvocalization can be untrained by keeping the speech apparatus occupied, such as chewing gum while reading, which helps to eliminate the habit of physically moving the mouth or tongue.

What is mental subvocalization and why is it important to be aware of it?

Mental subvocalization is the internal repetition of words in one's mind without any physical movement. It's important to be aware of it because suppressing it can lead to faster reading but may come at the cost of comprehension.

What is the potential cost of suppressing mental subvocalization in terms of comprehension?

The potential cost of suppressing mental subvocalization can be a loss of comprehension, with studies suggesting a possible decrease of 10 to 20 percent.

What techniques have been studied to suppress mental subvocalization and what were the findings?

Two techniques studied are counting while reading and tapping fingers on a table while reading. Counting may almost completely eliminate subvocalization but at a high cost to comprehension. Tapping fingers seems to allow for faster reading with less subvocalization and better retained comprehension.

Why might counting while reading be less effective in retaining comprehension compared to other techniques?

Counting while reading might be less effective because it creates a 'mental dispute' where the counting and the reading compete for the same cognitive resources, potentially reducing comprehension.

What does the script suggest about the relationship between reading speed and comprehension?

The script suggests that while increasing reading speed by suppressing subvocalization can be beneficial, it's crucial to balance speed with comprehension, as some techniques may sacrifice understanding for speed.

What advice does the script give regarding when to suppress subvocalization and when not to?

The script advises that one should make decisions about suppressing subvocalization based on the situation and the importance of comprehension. It suggests that for general reading, mental subvocalization might already be at a reasonable speed, and suppressing it further is situational and should be done with awareness of the potential comprehension cost.

How does the script define 'mechanical subvocalization' and why is it suggested to eliminate it?

Mechanical subvocalization is defined as the physical act of moving the mouth or tongue while reading without making sound. It is suggested to eliminate it to focus on the meaning of the words rather than the act of reading them, which can improve reading efficiency.