What was the meaning of old English word raedan and what does it have to do with reading?

You're right on track! The Old English word "rædan" is the ancestor of the modern English word "read."

Here's the breakdown:

* rædan: This Old English word had a broader meaning than just "to read." It encompassed the concepts of:

* To advise: To give counsel or guidance.

* To interpret: To understand and explain the meaning of something.

* To understand: To comprehend or grasp the meaning of something.

* To read: In the literal sense of deciphering written text.

How it relates to reading:

While "rædan" wasn't solely about reading, it encompassed the act of understanding and interpreting written text. This makes sense because reading, in its essence, is about deciphering symbols and making sense of the information they convey.

Over time, the meaning of "rædan" shifted towards the specific act of reading, while the other meanings evolved into related words like "rede" (advise) and "read" (understand).

So, the Old English word "rædan" provides a fascinating glimpse into how the concept of reading was interwoven with other cognitive processes like advising, interpreting, and understanding.