Page 74 - SREENARAYANAGURU OPEN UNIVERSITY

well as learning to emote with the right tone than focusing on the meaning, we tend to focus
and vocal expressions. We read aloud to convey on words and their pronunciation. We try to
information to others. While reading aloud, we understand how the alphabets are put together
have to divide our attention between reading to form words. Then, we try to understand the
and speaking. Reading silently involves under- meaning of the words. You might have experi-
standing the message or meaning in the text. enced this when you first read a novel, an essay
or any other book. You might also have come
Pronunciation is an important element while across many words that you are not familiar
you get ready to read aloud. This is essential with. These are the initial difficulties that you
for both reading and speaking skills. Spoken face in the process of learning to read. When
language helps a lot in enhancing reading we get ready to read, it is important that we are
ability. When we read out loud, it is necessary familiar with many words and their meanings.
that we are able to pronounce the words in the Without knowing them, we will not be able to
correct way. If someone asks you to read out understand the content of any writing. Once we
a poem, you should have the ability to pro- know the words in a language, it will be easy to
nounce the language properly as well as com- understand the sentences. Only if we are able
municate meaning through your voice. How to read will we be able to write.
do we learn to pronounce words? Phonetics
and phonology are the studies that explain how Read the following passage loud and then
words are pronounced, arranged, and used in silently and answer the questions below:
a language. We grow up hearing the language
from people around us. This plays an import- Passage:
ant role in developing our language and read- Reading is an essential aspect of learning
ing skills. We learn most of the words during and has multiple benefits attached to it. It is
our childhood, even before going to school. not just about picking an article and going
Then, in school, when we are taught to read, through it. It is a cognitive, multifaceted pro-
it becomes easier for us since we are already cess wherein you actually recognise the word
familiar with the words. and comprehend it to understand its meaning.

What about a foreign language? We get While reading an article, you might have
introduced to the language only when we come across some words that confuse you or
decide to learn it. In order to pronounce the certain words that you hardly even recognise.
words, we might seek help from a native Finding out their meaning and regularly read-
speaker or an instructor who can teach the ing can be the best solution for you to enhance
language to us. Otherwise, we might look up your vocabulary and expand your knowledge.
online sources where we can learn the lessons
in pronunciation. Pronunciation will be dealt Our brain needs to be stimulated to function
with when we discuss speaking skills. properly and foster ideas. One of the easiest
ways to sharpen your mind is through concen-
As we get ready to read, we learn the words trated reading. Almost all notable personalities
in the language and their meaning. Not only read every day as they recognise that knowl-
words, but also the symbols used in the lan- edge is the key to success. Reading requires
guage. It is the combined effect of words and you to have the patience to build a cogni-
symbols that will be reflected in the writing. tive perspective. This is considered a prime
When we start the process of reading, rather brain-stimulating activity to sharpen your

68 SGOU - FYUGP - SLM - English for Communication