"HOW DO WE READ?"
Oral Language --- the process by which one utters sounds that produce words that have meaning --- is the first step in reading. Spoken language, which can be produced by almost everyone, is instant, natural, and automatic.
Written Language --- the process in which one matches the form of a letter to the sound of a letter and combines these letters/sounds to make words --- is the second step in reading. This process, based on the alphabetic principle in which a letter represents a sound, is an invention and must be learned.
Language is a code. Dyslexic children and adults are not aware that the letters represent sounds, which then create words.
Understanding the code is not natural, but is a complicated skill which must be acquired. Most people can understand the concept of the sound/symbol relationship and can "interpret the code."
However, approximately 15-20% of the population need specific instruction in understanding and mastering this concept, in "interpreting the code." Often this population is dyslexic, with the impairment ranging from slight to severe.
Written Language --- the process in which one matches the form of a letter to the sound of a letter and combines these letters/sounds to make words --- is the second step in reading. This process, based on the alphabetic principle in which a letter represents a sound, is an invention and must be learned.
Language is a code. Dyslexic children and adults are not aware that the letters represent sounds, which then create words.
Understanding the code is not natural, but is a complicated skill which must be acquired. Most people can understand the concept of the sound/symbol relationship and can "interpret the code."
However, approximately 15-20% of the population need specific instruction in understanding and mastering this concept, in "interpreting the code." Often this population is dyslexic, with the impairment ranging from slight to severe.