What is reading?

If I were to be asked what reading was at a younger age, I would have given the simple answer of making words out of the symbols on a page, but this definition is far from completely true.  Merriam Webster has several definitions for reading, ranging from deciphering symbols on a page using sight or touch, to interpreting or receiving information.  This definition is literal, and for the most part, right.  Reading, to me is the ability to take in what is in front of you, or from what is going on around you, and using previous knowledge to interpret it and understand it.  For example, when reading a book, the symbols on a page would be completely foreign if a different alphabet was used, but if it is in a language you understand, you can take those symbols and form words and decipher the meaning each sentence holds.  If a word or letter used is not understood, the reading of that book would be completely misconstrued.  Reading is more than just books though.  In order to function in today's society, a person must be able to read others expressions or emotions based upon mannerisms or facial expressions in order to know what that person is feeling.  Reading another person will dictate whether or not they laugh at your joke, or punch you in the face.  A police officer must read a situation in a crime scene to understand what is going on with the victim and the offender.  If an officer walks into a gas station that is being held up and doesn't properly read the situation, not only does he fail to do his job, but someone may be shot as well.  The examples can keep going, but the bottom line is that reading transcends all we do in life.  Assessing a situation, learning from a book, or interacting with almost anything in front of you.  The ability to translate and interpret what you are reading is an extremely important skill needed to survive.