Developing Academic Reading Skills among UG Students in Mumbai University

Abstract

Reading proficiency in an L2 does not develop as easily as it does in our first language (L1). Reading skills and reading strategies are different. The former are more automatic and applied to the text unconsciously, while the latter are used purposely to achieve a particular reading goal. Therefore, less skilled readers can and should be taught how to use more effective reading strategies.

Reading as part of academic study is a very active process.  The age of technology growth is likely to make greater demands on people’s reading abilities. Reading in second language (L2) settings continues to take on increasing importance. The overwhelming majority of societies and countries around the world are multilingual, and educated citizens are expected to function well in more than one language. L2 reading ability, particularly with English as the L2, is already in great demand as English continues to spread, not only as a global language but also as the language of science, technology and advanced research. Many people in multilingual settings need to read in an L2 at reasonably high levels of proficiency to achieve personal, occupational and professional goals.

Reading proficiency in an L2 does not develop as easily as it does in our first language (L1). Actually, the development of L1 reading also takes a considerable amount of time. L2 students seldom devote much time to develop strong reading abilities. People often conceive of reading as a matter of passively transferring information from the page into reader’s head, what actually occurs is much more complicated. The reader has his/her own expectations, prejudices and previous knowledge, and these shape their understanding of the literature they read.