What’s the term for “hearing” words when you read or think?


If you’re anything like me, you may hear a little voice in your head when you read (e.g., this post) or think to yourself. THAT VOICE MAY GET LOUDER ON CUE, or it may get softer on cue.


At any rate, is there a word for this?


I ask, because I am writing an essay on how the language of set theory has facilitated mathematics in probability theory. One of my sections is on the vocabulary that the former has contributed to the latter, and I would like to point out that having specific words to describe concepts not only provides us with an efficient medium for discussion, but it can also concrete our thought processes.



As @HotLicks said in the comments, I am asking (more or less) if there exists an auditory analogue of visualize.


I just remembered from my psychology class that a scientist might call this an auditory memory being rehearsed in the working section of one’s short-term memory.



Answer



It's called subvocalization:



Subvocalization (also known as auditory reassurance) is a very common habit among readers. It involves saying words in your head while reading and it’s one of the main reasons why people read slowly and have trouble improving their reading speed.
Speed Reading Tips: 5 Ways to Minimize Subvocalization



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