READING, THE WAY FOR ENHANCING LINGUISTIC AND LOGICAL ABILITIES - A SCIENTIFIC PROSPECTIVE
October 2, 2024
The original article was written in Italian: Leggere, il modo per migliorare le capacità dell'intelletto
Latterly,
scientific research has shed light on the profound impact of reading on
cognitive development. Studies have shown that the act of reading, especially
printed journals and books, has a significant influence on linguistic and
logical abilities, offering a range of benefits that extend far beyond simple
text comprehension[1].
This growing body of evidence underscores the importance of reading as a tool
for enhancing cognitive function and improving overall mental acuity.
The Cognitive Benefits of Reading
Language skills, text comprehension, and critical thinking have all been shown to be significantly benefitted by reading. Regular reading, the literature shows, leads to changes not only in a human’s neurology and therefore brain function; cognitive pathways and neural plasticity are both shown to strengthen, and those who read books for an average of 30 minutes per day showed a survival advantage compared to those who did not[2]. This article serves to uncover the ways in which reading develops and improves our linguistic and cognitive abilities.
Improved Vocabulary and Language Skills
One of the
most notable benefits of reading is its positive influence on the improvement
of one’s vocabulary and language skills. A study by the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association found that above-average readers
experienced a higher rate of vocabulary growth between 4th and 10th grade[3].
Furthermore, researchers at the Center for Longitudinal Studies discovered that
adolescents who read for pleasure in their spare time knew 26% more words than
their non-reading peers[4].
Through the benefits of reading, people are regularly exposed to new words from which they learn not only the in-context definitions but the nuanced connotations as well. As a result, readers develop a keener level of verbal fluency and language proficiency, which are particular useful in earlier years as they prepare for both their academic and professional lives.
Enhanced Analytical and Critical Thinking
The process of
engaging with a text requires the brain to perform various cognitive tasks such
as comprehending meaning, making inferences, identifying themes, and evaluating
arguments. These activities directly contribute to the enhancement of analytical
and critical thinking abilities.
Studies have found that regular reading can improve an individual's ability to absorb, process, and analyze information, as well as come to more informed, rational conclusions[5]. Reading also exposes individuals to diverse ideas and paradigms; the engagement with texts that challenge their beliefs fosters open-mindedness and mental flexibility, both essential components of critical thinking.
Strengthened Memory and Concentration
Regular engagement with a book helps train a reader’s attention span and improve overall concentration. Not only this, but a Taiwanese study found that reading activity prevents long-term decline in cognitive function[6]. Furthermore, as readers track information or storylines, they activate their episodic memory as well as their working memory, which is the capacity to hold information while performing different tasks.
How Reading Shapes Brain Structure and
Function
Reading has profound impacts on brain structure and function, leading to significant changes in neural pathways and cognitive processes. This section explores the scientific benefits revealed by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies and research on white matter changes.
Neuroplasticity and Reading
Neuroplasticity
refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural
connections, and the practice of reading has shown not only to induce these
changes but to induce them specifically in regions of the brain associated with
the processing and comprehension of language. These changes occur through the
strengthening of existing neural pathways and the formation of new ones,
enhancing overall cognitive abilities[7]
A study found that children who received systematic, research-based reading instructions for one year showed a brain function above the US average and improved reading skills[8], which further lends itself to the position that appropriate teaching methods can enhance reading abilities.
FMRI Studies on the Reading Brain
Functional
magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has provided valuable insights into how
reading influences brain function. These studies revealed that skilled readers
activate specific brain regions more effectively during reading tasks compared
to struggling readers. The key areas involved in reading include the left
inferior frontal gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus, and left
occipito-temporal cortex.
An example of how the brain reorganizes as a result of regular reading is in the study of Wu et al. who showed, through fMRI research, that children with reading difficulties who responded to intervention showed increased activation in critical left-hemisphere areas involved in the reading process[9].
White Matter Changes from Reading
White matter
is a part of the human central nervous system consisting mostly of myelinated
nerve fibers and to connect different regions of the brain. It is an important
part of a person’s ability to learn new skills, and the structure of white
matter has been shown to be influenced by reading practices. In particular, developments
in reading skills are shown to correspond to longitudinal changes in the white
matter[10].
These findings suggest that white matter development is a dynamic process influenced by reading experience and instruction, where changes in white matter properties reflect the brain's adaptation to the demands of reading, another example of the importance of targeted interventions for struggling readers.
Reading's Impact on Linguistic Abilities
Reading has a profound influence on linguistic abilities, with modern scientific literature showing numerous benefits such as enhancing language skills and text comprehension ability. Research has also shown that regular reading leads to significant improvements in various aspects of language proficiency and overall cognitive development.
Syntax and Grammar Acquisition
Children who
engage in regular reading activities have consistently shown to develop a
better understanding of sentence structure and grammatical rules, which occurs
because the exposure to grammatically correct sentences helps them to correctly
internalize language patterns[11].
As a result, young readers become more adept at constructing well-formed
sentences and recognizing correct grammatical structures in both spoken and
written language.
Figurative Language Comprehension
Reading also plays a crucial role in enhancing figurative language comprehension, which is essential for developing advanced linguistic abilities. Research has demonstrated a strong association between reading ability and figurative language competence[12]. Interpretational skills are also developed through the exposure of figurative language such as as metaphors and analogies, which is viewed as necessary for academic success since students are expected to be able to grasp and respond to complex concepts.
Verbal Fluency and Expression
Another
significant benefit of reading is its impact on verbal fluency and expression.
Regular exposure to a range of literature diverse in elements such as
grammatical form and cultural backgrounds helps individuals expand their
linguistic repertoire, leading to improved verbal fluency, which is the reader’s
ability to express themselves more effectively in both spoken and written
communication. Studies have shown that children who read extensively
demonstrate greater ease in articulating their thoughts and ideas through the
use of a wider vocabulary and more sophisticated sentence structures[13].
Furthermore, reading has been shown to have a positive influence on prosody, which is the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech. Skilled readers develop a better sense of pausing, pitch changes, and sentence-final intonation contours with their reading. According to psychologists Miller and Schwanenflugel’s longitudinal study, prosodic oral reading might signal that children have achieved fluency and are more capable of understanding what they read[14]. These skills not only enhance the expressiveness of oral reading but also contribute to overall language comprehension and communication abilities.
Reading and Logical Reasoning Skills
Reading significantly helps the development of one’s logical reasoning skills. Much of the scientific literature indicates that regular reading leads to significant improvements in critical thinking, problem-solving, and abstract reasoning.
Deductive and Inductive Reasoning
The ability to
draw informed conclusions through deductive and inductive reasoning is yet
another benefit shown through the practice of regular reading. Deductive
reasoning is typically exercised by taking an opening principle and applying
within the context of what they are reading, whereas inductive reasoning is the
act of identify patterns in order to draw ideas based on details within in the
text.
Reading comprehension tests, for instance, evaluate an individual's ability to understand and analyze written material, requiring the use of both deductive and inductive reasoning[15]. Over time, this then improves their logical thinking and the ability to apply it to various real-world scenarios.
Problem-Solving Abilities
Regular
reading further engages the reader’s mind in such ways that challenge them to
think critically and develop the initiative to tackling real-world problems.
This is because complex narratives and more informative content must be parsed
in order for the reader to identify key issues presented with the text and
formulate potential resolutions.
Research conducted by the University of Nebraska demonstrated that reading improves an individual's ability to articulate thoughts and explain complex ideas[16], which contributes to more effective problem-solving and decision-making. Additionally, exposure to diverse problem-solving scenarios in literature helps readers develop a broader perspective and consider multiple approaches when faced with challenges in their own lives.
Abstract Thinking
Abstract
thinking skills, essential for understanding complex concepts and
relationships, involves thinking about ideas that are not physically present,
recognizing patterns, and making connections between different concepts.
Through reading, individuals are exposed to various abstract ideas and are
challenged to think beyond concrete, tangible concepts.
Studies have shown that engaging with fiction in particular can enhance abstract thinking abilities[17]. Fiction often requires readers to imagine hypothetical scenarios, interpret metaphors, and understand the motivations and emotions of characters, which strengthens the brain's capacity for abstract thought. With more practice in this exercise, individuals are better able to comprehend and analyze complex ideas in various domains.
Conclusion
The benefits
of reading are demonstrated in scientific literature to have a profound
influence on our linguistic and logical abilities. Reading not only boosts our
vocabulary and language skills but sharpens our critical thinking and
problem-solving capabilities, and by engaging with diverse texts, we strengthen
our brain's neural pathways, leading to improved memory, concentration, and
abstract reasoning. These cognitive developments extend far beyond simple text
comprehension, enhancing our overall mental acuity and communication skills.
The impact of reading on brain structure and function underscores its importance in cognitive development. As we continue to uncover the many ways reading shapes our thinking, it becomes clear that cultivating a regular reading habit is crucial to nurturing one’s intellectual growth. This habit also not only enriches our personal lives but also equips us with essential skills to navigate an increasingly complex world.
References
- Bavishi A,
Slade MD, Levy BR. A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity.
Soc Sci Med. 2016 Sep; 164:44-48. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.07.014. Epub
2016 Jul 18. PMID: 27471129; PMCID: PMC5105607.
- Chang YH, Wu IC, Hsiung CA. Reading activity
prevents long-term decline in cognitive function in older people: evidence from
a 14-year longitudinal study. Int Psychogeriatr. 2021 Jan;33(1):63-74. doi:
10.1017/S1041610220000812. Epub 2020 Jun 5. PMID: 32498728; PMCID: PMC8482376.
- Duff D,
Tomblin JB, Catts H. The Influence of Reading on Vocabulary Growth: A Case for
a Matthew Effect. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2015 Jun;58(3):853-64. doi:
10.1044/2015_JSLHR-L-13-0310. PMID: 25812175; PMCID: PMC4610292.
- Durant D M,
Horava T. The future of reading and academic libraries. Libraries and the Academy, Volume 15, Number 1,
January 2015, pp. 5-27 (Article) Published
by Johns Hopkins University Press. DOI:
10.1353/pla.2015.0013
- Heit E,
Rotello CM. Relations between inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning. J
Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn. 2010 May;36(3):805-12. doi: 10.1037/a0018784. PMID:
20438276.
- Hite, Shayne, "Improving Problem Solving
by Improving Reading Skills" (2009). Summative Projects for MA Degree. 9
- Miller J,
Schwanenflugel PJ. A Longitudinal Study of the Development of Reading Prosody
as a Dimension of Oral Reading Fluency in Early Elementary School Children.
Read Res Q. 2008 Oct 1;43(4):336-354. doi: 10.1598/RRQ.43.4.2. PMID: 20072660;
PMCID: PMC2805245.
- Perbal B.
Neuroscience and psychological studies sustain the cognitive benefits of print
reading. J Cell Commun Signal. 2017 Mar;11(1):1-4. doi:
10.1007/s12079-017-0379-5. Epub 2017 Feb 2. PMID: 28155112; PMCID: PMC5362581.
- Roy E,
Richie-Halford A, Kruper J, Narayan M, Bloom D, Nedelec P, Rauschecker AM,
Sugrue LP, Brown TT, Jernigan TL, McCandliss BD, Rokem A, Yeatman JD. White
matter and literacy: A dynamic system in flux. Dev Cogn Neurosci. 2024 Feb;
65:101341. doi: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101341. Epub 2024 Jan 6. PMID: 38219709;
PMCID: PMC10825614.
- Seidenberg
MS. The Science of Reading and Its Educational Implications. Lang Learn Dev.
2013;9(4):331-360. doi: 10.1080/15475441.2013.812017. PMID: 24839408; PMCID:
PMC4020782.
- Stanovich
KE. Does reading make you smarter? Literacy and the development of verbal
intelligence. Adv Child Dev Behav. 1993; 24:133-80. doi:
10.1016/s0065-2407(08)60302-x. PMID: 8447247.
- Takeuchi H,
Taki Y, Hashizume H, Asano K, Asano M, Sassa Y, Yokota S, Kotozaki Y, Nouchi R,
Kawashima R. Impact of reading habit on white matter structure: Cross-sectional
and longitudinal analyses, NeuroImage, Volume 133, 2016, Pages 378-389, ISSN
1053-8119 http://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.03.037
- Tamir DI,
Bricker AB, Dodell-Feder D, Mitchell JP. Reading fiction and reading minds: the
role of simulation in the default network. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2016
Feb;11(2):215-24. doi: 10.1093/scan/nsv114. Epub 2015 Sep 4. PMID: 26342221;
PMCID: PMC4733342.
- Wu Y,
Barquero LA, Pickren SE, Barber AT, Cutting LE. The relationship between
cognitive skills and reading comprehension of narrative and expository texts: A
longitudinal study from Grade 1 to Grade 4. Learn Individ Differ. 2020 May;
80:101848. doi: 10.1016/j.lindif.2020.101848. Epub 2020 May 18. PMID: 32536780;
PMCID: PMC7291864.
[1] Perbal B.
Neuroscience and psychological studies sustain the cognitive benefits of print
reading. J Cell Commun Signal. 2017 Mar;11(1):1-4. doi:
10.1007/s12079-017-0379-5. Epub 2017 Feb 2. PMID: 28155112; PMCID: PMC5362581.
[2] Bavishi A,
Slade MD, Levy BR. A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity.
Soc Sci Med. 2016 Sep; 164:44-48. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.07.014. Epub
2016 Jul 18. PMID: 27471129; PMCID: PMC5105607.
[3] Duff
D, Tomblin JB, Catts H. The Influence of Reading on Vocabulary Growth: A Case
for a Matthew Effect. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2015 Jun;58(3):853-64. doi:
10.1044/2015_JSLHR-L-13-0310. PMID: 25812175; PMCID: PMC4610292.
[4] Seidenberg
MS. The Science of Reading and Its Educational Implications. Lang Learn Dev.
2013;9(4):331-360. doi: 10.1080/15475441.2013.812017. PMID: 24839408; PMCID:
PMC4020782.
[5] Wu Y,
Barquero LA, Pickren SE, Barber AT, Cutting LE. The relationship between
cognitive skills and reading comprehension of narrative and expository texts: A
longitudinal study from Grade 1 to Grade 4. Learn Individ Differ. 2020 May;
80:101848. doi: 10.1016/j.lindif.2020.101848. Epub 2020 May 18. PMID: 32536780;
PMCID: PMC7291864.
[6] Chang YH, Wu
IC, Hsiung CA. Reading activity prevents long-term decline in cognitive
function in older people: evidence from a 14-year longitudinal study. Int
Psychogeriatr. 2021 Jan;33(1):63-74. doi: 10.1017/S1041610220000812. Epub 2020
Jun 5. PMID: 32498728; PMCID: PMC8482376.
[7] Durant D M, Horava T. The future of reading
and academic libraries. Libraries
and the Academy, Volume 15, Number 1, January 2015, pp. 5-27 (Article) Published by
Johns Hopkins University Press. DOI:
10.1353/pla.2015.0013
[8] Seidenberg
MS. The Science of Reading and Its Educational Implications. Lang Learn Dev.
2013;9(4):331-360. doi: 10.1080/15475441.2013.812017. PMID: 24839408; PMCID:
PMC4020782.
[9] Wu Y,
Barquero LA, Pickren SE, Barber AT, Cutting LE. The relationship between
cognitive skills and reading comprehension of narrative and expository texts: A
longitudinal study from Grade 1 to Grade 4. Learn Individ Differ. 2020 May;
80:101848. doi: 10.1016/j.lindif.2020.101848. Epub 2020 May 18. PMID: 32536780;
PMCID: PMC7291864.
[10] Roy E,
Richie-Halford A, Kruper J, Narayan M, Bloom D, Nedelec P, Rauschecker AM,
Sugrue LP, Brown TT, Jernigan TL, McCandliss BD, Rokem A, Yeatman JD. White
matter and literacy: A dynamic system in flux. Dev Cogn Neurosci. 2024 Feb;
65:101341. doi: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101341. Epub 2024 Jan 6. PMID: 38219709;
PMCID: PMC10825614.
[11] Seidenberg MS.
The Science of Reading and Its Educational Implications. Lang Learn Dev.
2013;9(4):331-360. doi: 10.1080/15475441.2013.812017. PMID: 24839408; PMCID:
PMC4020782.
[12] Wu Y, Barquero
LA, Pickren SE, Barber AT, Cutting LE. The relationship between cognitive
skills and reading comprehension of narrative and expository texts: A
longitudinal study from Grade 1 to Grade 4. Learn Individ Differ. 2020 May;
80:101848. doi: 10.1016/j.lindif.2020.101848. Epub 2020 May 18. PMID: 32536780;
PMCID: PMC7291864.
[13] Stanovich KE.
Does reading make you smarter? Literacy and the development of verbal
intelligence. Adv Child Dev Behav. 1993; 24:133-80. doi:
10.1016/s0065-2407(08)60302-x. PMID: 8447247.
[14] Miller J,
Schwanenflugel PJ. A Longitudinal Study of the Development of Reading Prosody
as a Dimension of Oral Reading Fluency in Early Elementary School Children.
Read Res Q. 2008 Oct 1;43(4):336-354. doi: 10.1598/RRQ.43.4.2. PMID: 20072660;
PMCID: PMC2805245.
[15] Heit E,
Rotello CM. Relations between inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning. J
Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn. 2010 May;36(3):805-12. doi: 10.1037/a0018784. PMID:
20438276.
[16] Hite, Shayne,
"Improving Problem Solving by Improving Reading Skills" (2009).
Summative Projects for MA Degree. 9.
[17] Tamir DI,
Bricker AB, Dodell-Feder D, Mitchell JP. Reading fiction and reading minds: the
role of simulation in the default network. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2016
Feb;11(2):215-24. doi: 10.1093/scan/nsv114. Epub 2015 Sep 4. PMID: 26342221;
PMCID: PMC4733342.