THE ROLE OF CRITICAL READING IN ENHANCING LINGUISTIC AWARENESS AND ANALYTICAL THINKING IN EFL CONTEXTS

Abstract

This article explores the pivotal role of critical reading in the academic development of university students, especially within the framework of foreign language learning. It highlights how critical reading involves both cognitive and metacognitive strategies: while cognitive strategies involve understanding, analyzing, and interpreting texts, metacognitive strategies help learners monitor and regulate their own reading processes through planning, questioning, and visualizing. The article also examines the linguistic, cultural, and structural challenges that students face when engaging with complex academic texts. Practical solutions are proposed, including the enrichment of academic vocabulary, polishing grammar and the implementation of exercises aimed at fostering critical thinking in both L1 and L2.