reading

Communication skill that involves the reception and interpretation of written communication. Written communication in any form must take account of the level of reading skill attained by its intended audience, including reading age, reading speed, and inferential reading ability. These are all indicators of a reader's general literacy, and affects their degree of comprehension.

In order to avoid the difficulties posed by a multilingual society, such as the European Community, extensive use is made of picture-based instructions and signposts. Fire exits and road signs are good examples.