Subvocalise for Dummies

Subvocalise is a word that describes a unique way our brains process information when reading or thinking. Have you ever noticed that when you're reading a book, your lips move or your throat seems to be making tiny movements? That's subvocalisation in action!

Subvocalisation is like silently speaking the words in your head as you read or think. It's as if your brain is creating a little voice that helps you understand what you're reading or thinking about. It's a natural process that helps us make sense of words and ideas, but sometimes it can slow us down when we're trying to read quickly or comprehend complex information.

Let me explain with an analogy. Imagine you're at a party, and there's a lively conversation happening around you. People are talking, laughing, and having a great time. That's like reading a book without subvocalisation. You can quickly take in all the conversations happening and understand what people are saying without having to "listen" to every single word.

Now, let's imagine that the party suddenly becomes very quiet, and everyone starts whispering. You want to catch all the details, so you start straining to hear each word. That's similar to subvocalising while reading. The words on the page become like whispers, and you feel the need to "listen" to every single word in your head. It can be useful when we're reading something important or when we're learning new words, but it can also slow us down if we're not aware of it.

So, subvocalisation is essentially the process of silently speaking the words in our minds as we read or think, just like having a little voice in our heads. It helps us understand and make sense of the words and ideas, but sometimes it can make us read slower or lose focus. By being aware of subvocalisation and finding ways to minimize it when it's not necessary, we can become more efficient readers and thinkers.