Is it normal to not hear words in your mind while reading?

Most people, when they read, they hear the words inside their minds. I don't. When I'm reading silently, I only see the words on the page visually. It takes me a lot of effort to read out loud because I have to convert the visual words into audio.

Is It Normal?
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  • I was 14 when I found out not every one could take a story they were reading and make it in to movie in their head . Or they could only see what was in the story , not fill in the gaps , like add color to the clothes if it wasn't in the story or birds singing in the trees. I figured this was why a lot of people didn't like reading for fun.

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  • So is it possible for you to read and actually make sense of the writing without actually having to read it out loud?

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  • Yes. It's actually a skill--by doing so, you're able to read a lot faster. Congrats.

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  • @Boehawk, I always thought I was the only one who does that! It's one of the many reasons I love to read :)

    OP, I'm afraid I don't really know what you mean. Do you never "see" the characters and scenes in your imagination? Does it matter what you're reading?

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  • I, as well as most people I think, can not do that.

    I wonder if it had anything to do with the way you were taught to read?

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