In the first chapter of Proust and the Squid, aside from exposing the reader to the various topics that will occur throughout her book, Tufts literacy expert and author Maryanne Wolf emphasizes several points that she deems crucial in the comprehension of the complexities of reading. Wolf’s discussion expands from the two dimensions of the reading brain’s development to how the reading brain had already existing components which were recycled in order to accommodate a novel cognitive process, and to how the reading capacity causes us to reach beyond the known to form new thoughts.
As discussed in class and in the opening paragraphs of this chapter, we realize that reading is indeed an incredible invention—to put concrete letters to spoken words—and Wolf underscores that the brain was also incredible with its versatility in accepting the imprints of new connections needed to enhance reading, then a completely new intellectual function. Wolf highlights the two dimensions of the reading brain that were crucial in its development: the personal-intellectual and the biological.
I must admit that I was partial to Wolf’s portrayal of reading as a visual system in addition to a cognitive process. As a Deaf person and a heavy visual learner, I recognize Wolf’s perspective on the complexities of reading, and how it is not just the comprehension of words on a page, but to connect to the words and stretch the words beyond the intended purpose. I feel that lively discourse and deep inspiration is the true essence of reading.
First chapter from: Maryanne, W. (2007). Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain. New York: Harper.
I must admit that I was partial to Wolf’s portrayal of reading as a visual system in addition to a cognitive process. As a Deaf person and a heavy visual learner, I recognize Wolf’s perspective on the complexities of reading, and how it is not just the comprehension of words on a page, but to connect to the words and stretch the words beyond the intended purpose. I feel that lively discourse and deep inspiration is the true essence of reading.
