To Subvocalize Or Not When Reading Thai

[HappyInCM]

It was suggested in this post that one can read without a correlation to the spoken language: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=3506811

I agree that for comprehension, there may be little correlation from reading unless you are pretty advanced and have very good pronunciation already. But, I would think for speaking, reading could negatively impact your accent, especially if one isn't very good with pronunciation already (and obviously knows the tone rules).

According to wikipedia, subvocalization is undetectable, even by the person doing it (although they do not provide a citation). And, I would think for a foreign language, it would be even harder to avoid.

So, I'm wondering what people do? Maybe it's best to focus on subvocalizing the best pronunciation one can muster? Or maybe to try to turn it off, although I don't know how?

Edited April 15, 2010 by eljefe2

[Parvis]

"To subvocalize or not to subvocalize - that is the question."

Interesting - for speedreading you do not want to subvocalize - but are you likely to "speed read" Thai? I would think not for a number of years. I would think to improve your ability to speak a language clearly - you would want to read ALOUD with the best pronounciation you are capable of.

Edited April 15, 2010 by Parvis

[farangnahrak]

I read a *lot* of Thai, way more than I can speak.

I will say that reading to yourself a lot will probably hurt your pronunciation, as Thai people don't speak the way things are written. And if you keep practicing the wrong pronunciation, it'll make your accent harder to correct later.

But, if you read out loud with Thai people to correct you, I do find it helps my pronunciation of the central dialect.

[HappyInCM]

I read a *lot* of Thai, way more than I can speak.

I will say that reading to yourself a lot will probably hurt your pronunciation, as Thai people don't speak the way things are written. And if you keep practicing the wrong pronunciation, it'll make your accent harder to correct later.

But, if you read out loud with Thai people to correct you, I do find it helps my pronunciation of the central dialect.

Do you mean to say that even if you know how the RID says to pronounce it and have very good pronunciation and know how to say the tones that you still won't say it right? I know there are of course some exceptions like ไหม or นำ้ but beyond things like this are there other problems?

[Parvis]

Even if you know in theory how to pronounce a word - will not assure you to pronounce it correctly.

Correct pronounciation also involves "training" you vocal cords in unfamiliar territory. Therefore, reading aloud with pronounciation to the best of your ability is good practice. To correct your pronounciation by native speakers occurs on a daily basis - if you use the language.