Understanding Reading: A Psycholinguistic Analysis of Reading and Learning To Read

By Frank Smith

Book Overview

Understanding Reading revolutionized reading theory and research when it first appeared in 1971 and it has continued as a leader in the field through successive editions. Smith's aim in the fifth edition of this classic text continues as it was in the first: to shed light on fundamental aspects of the complex human act of reading -- linguistic, physiological, psychological, and social -- and on what is involved in learning to read. This edition critically examines current theories, instructional practices, and controversies, covering a wide range of disciplines but always remaining accessible to students and to classroom teachers. Because reading should not be regarded as a special kind of activity but rather one that involves far broader aspects of human thought and behavior, an understanding of reading cannot be achieved without consideration of the nature of language and of various operating characteristics of the human brain. Consequently, the first half of this book is devoted to such topics as comprehension, knowledge, language, vision, and memory. A major change in the present edition is that while continuing to accommodate recent developments in research, theory, and the author's own ideas, a new section is introduced at the end of each chapter to outline the more persistent and contentious issues that surround particular topics. Within cognitive science, two new and contradictory theories related to language learning -- modular theory and connectionism -- have become influential. Both are discussed together with a closer look at other metaphors currently employed in psychological and educational theorizing. This book also highlights the ideological clash between whole language and direct instruction, partly at the expense of linguist Noam Chomsky and behavioral psychologist B.F. Skinner, who figured prominently in earlier editions. No other text integrates such a wide range of topics relative to reading, and few other texts are as readable or as "user-friendly" for instructors, students, and practitioners.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805814205
• ISBN13: 9780805814200
• Release Date: August 1994
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.0" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

On Reading; Learning to Read; Comprehension and Much, Much More

Understanding Reading: A Psycholinguistic Analysis of Reading and Learning to Read by Frank Smith aims to educate the reader about the act of reading and learning to read. Parents and their children, teachers, lecturers, and readers concerned about their reading technique, are all invited here. It may be viewed as the more comprehensive volume to Reading Without Nonsense [Smith, Frank. 2006. Fourth Edition. Teacher's College Press], another good book. Dr. Smith succeeds very well in creating a train of thought, employing logic and reasoning, yet keeping his pen `light' to his audience. On glancing through the reference list, the dimensions the author has considered become apparent. It includes amongst other - educational sciences, psychology, linguistics, writing and more ... Additionally, the references may provide clues to further investigations. The reader could expect to learn from the text - 1. How we acquire knowledge of the world around us, when young? 2. Why reading and learning to reading are considered to be natural acts. 3. What is the difference between comprehension and knowledge? 4. The role of information and experience. 5. Meeting of minds - the writer, reader; and their respective conventions. 6. The involvement of our eyes [visual factors] and brain [prior knowledge, non-visual factors] when we read. 7. How best to employ our brain and memory in the act of reading. 8. Single letter - vs. whole word - vs. meaning identification. 9. The `Phonetics-first' [identify a word -> break up into <br /> 'sound-out' units -> comprehend word] - versus <br />10. The `Look-say' method [identify groups of words (visual <br /> reading)-> comprehend thought units] of reading and learning to <br /> read. <br />11. Politics, bickering and ... the educational system! <br />12. On reading, writing and thinking. <br /> <br />In summary, a well-researched exposition, worthy of your consideration!

Simply Superb

This book cuts straight to the point without any nonsense inbetween. It is a valuable resource for any teacher or parent, no matter what field. Hightly recommended.

The most significant book on reading of this century

Frank Smith wrote the first edition of this book in 1971. This is the 4th edition, and although he has done some updating, the basic theme is the same. The book covers two problems: How do we make sense of text (read), and how do we learn to read? If you are a fan of phonics either don't read this book or read with an open mind.