In this blog post, we will examine how reading is not simply the acquisition of information, but a process of communication in which the author and the reader expand their thinking through written words.
Reading is an act of communication in which the author and reader interact through written language. Communication through reading can be defined as the reader independently thinking about and understanding the message conveyed by the author through writing. Through reading, we can explore new worlds, encounter different perspectives, and expand our own thinking.
The process of communication through reading begins when the author writes with the reader’s reading process in mind. Before writing, the author predicts the reader’s prior knowledge and interests and selects content that he or she believes will be helpful to the reader. Then, taking these factors into consideration, the author provides information or conveys his or her thoughts through writing. When writing, the author may omit content that he or she believes the reader already knows. In addition, they may deliberately hide some content with the intention of effectively conveying the theme, and provide various clues so that readers can infer the hidden information. In other words, authors write and communicate while constantly being aware of the reader’s reading process.
One of the most important elements in the communication process of reading is the reader’s background knowledge. Readers interpret and understand the content of a text based on their own knowledge and experience. Therefore, the same text can be interpreted differently by different readers. For example, when reading a book about historical events, readers with extensive knowledge of history will understand and feel the content differently than readers without such knowledge. These differences add diversity and depth to reading.
So how does communication with the author take place from the reader’s perspective? Readers respond to the author by understanding the message they are conveying and grasping the theme of the text. Through reading, they acquire new knowledge and information and resolve any questions they may have had. They also try to understand the text in depth by inferring hidden meanings and the author’s intentions. Based on their understanding, they may agree with or criticize the author’s ideas. Furthermore, they may expand their reading activities by looking for other texts to read in order to resolve new questions that arise while reading. Through this communication process, readers reconstruct the meaning of the text based on their background knowledge, reading comprehension skills, and reading attitudes. In other words, readers do not simply understand the message the author is trying to convey, but actively participate in the communication process.
Another important value of reading is that it stimulates creativity and imagination. While reading the author’s writing, readers imagine the world described in it, guess the emotions and actions of the characters, and predict how the story will unfold. This process promotes creative thinking and generates new ideas. Creativity is not limited to artistic activities, but plays an important role in various fields, such as problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to see things from new perspectives.
In conclusion, reading is an important activity that enables deep communication between the author and the reader. Through reading, we can accumulate knowledge, expand our thinking, and develop creativity. Readers do not simply passively accept information, but actively participate and interact with the author. This process adds richness and depth to reading and has a significant impact on our lives. Through reading, we experience a wider world, understand different perspectives, and gain opportunities for personal growth.
