Why Does the Mouth Move when We Read?

Question

Most of the time, I find my lips and tongue moving as I read a book, I always wondered about this. It feels kind of like the words are being connected to the tongue as I read, without actually saying them out-loud. Maybe there is a reason we do this, without it being a fault.

Your thoughts? Feel free to use your own mind to make up logical theories...you can also share what you've learned from education as well :-)

*Reading Silently Of Course*

Answer 1

It is an automated response created to help remember the content you are reading. If you read something just for the fun of it you may not do this. The brain is smart! Just like have you ever noticed when you are desperately trying to remember something that you are looking up into your eye lids. Also an automated response to try to help you remember what you are looking for.

Answer 2

Seems that some people find it easier to read that way. Must definitely be a connection between the part of the brain involved in reading and the part involved in speech. It's not such people's fault--they obviously must not notice it most of the time.

No offence, but I find it unpleasant to be in the same room with someone that reads that way with their lips; usually such a person unintentionally makes sounds, almost like they are whispering.

Answer 3

this usually occurs in people who don't read very well or very much. It happens because you are mentally sounding out the words. With practice this should go away. It has the effect of making you a slow reader since each word is sounded out.

Answer 4

People are creatures of habit. Some people have that habit some don't. I do not see anything wrong with it unless your a poker player.
I believe the people that mouth the words when they read do it to absorb the material better. They are seeing it, they are thinking of it and they are saying the words.

Answer 5

if you breath through your nose while you read it won't.