This article is concerned with the role of reading aloud (RA) in language learning. General ELT methodology literature does not recommend the practice. However, recent research and specialist literature recommend using RA for various purposes. It can help reading by reinforcing graphemic-phonemic correspondences. It can aid the acquisition of prosodic features of English and help to develop writing skills by using it as oral proofreading. RA can also be used as a technique for autonomous learning and may help some anxious students to feel more able to speak. It is suggested that the benefits of RA could outweigh the disadvantages, and that the latter could be mitigated by careful and appropriate use of the activity. A small study of NS and NNS teachers and learners gives support to most of the purposes recommended above. This evidence suggests that the role of RA in language learning should now be reappraised.