I don't want to talk about reading as a tool for learning, I think that it's too obvious. If you want to learn, you have to read. It's a must, not an option. I want to talk about choice. I want to know if you like reading, so I would like to ask you some questions: Why read? Do we like it? Do we get pleasure from it? Is it a fun way to spend our free time? There are so many other things to be done, that it seems to me that reading could be too tiring an activity to be enjoyed. How do you like to read? What do you like to read? Where and when do you read?Are you into technology or would you much rather have a traditional book in your hands? Have e-books changed your life?
If we read because we like stories, then there are many other sources to enjoy storytelling. How about a good film? Why not all those great TV series that are being shown these days? Is downloading a podcast with a good story a good option? Audio books?
Tell me what's in a book that makes you want to go back to it as soon as you have a free minute. As Patricia Shaw, a great professor I had in college, used to say "this book is unputdownable". Do you think the book is the king of storytelling or as long as there's a story you don't mind the medium?
The following video gave me the idea to ask you about these things. Watch it and see what you think.
TED talks. The technology of story telling, Joe Sabia
I'll be asking you more things about books in the coming days. Our project's next goal is to have another public reading on the 23rd of April, coinciding with World Book Day.
For now, I would love it if you shared your ideas with us about the questions I have just asked you.
I didn't intend to improve my reading skills when I first read a book in English, I just wanted to know if I could understand it. Surprisingly, it turned out that I understood enough to enjoy the reading. It felt like I was five again, I had a new toy to play with.
ReplyDeleteIt happened two years ago but I didn't get used to it yet, I still find it amazing and exciting.
Every time I figure out the meaning of a new phrasal verb, expression or something, I feel so happy that I'd like to jump, yell or at least share my finding. I've tried with my husband and my dog but it didn't work, both looked stunned and a bit scared rather than enthusiastic. I can't blame them.
For now I don't care if the book is a masterpiece or not but I hope I'll become more demanding in the future.
PS "Far side" is already in my next-happy-birthday-gift list. Thank you.
I think it's great that you feel that way about reading. Sometimes I feel bad for people who don't enjoy reading because on the one hand learning will always be harder for them, but what's worse is that they are missing out on one of life's pleasures.
DeleteI hope people read your comment and get infected with your enthusiasm.
Good evening bloggers,
ReplyDeleteThis month two years ago Ireland celebrated 'World Book Night' by giving away thousands of free books in libraries all over the country. The 'Irish Times' newspaper asked famous Irish writers (yes we have a few!) what book would they recommend to be given away for free to the people of Ireland. I have always loved the answer given by one of these writers,John Banville. In many ways it echoes the sentiments expressed above by Olga. I would like to share his eloquent answer with you all as my contribution to this new discussion on the life - affirming benefits of reading:
"Without doubt the book that governments should distribute free to every citizen of the land at birth is the dictionary. The word hoard is our birthright and our most precious treasure. Language
is what defines us as a species, and humankind's greatest invention is the sentence. There have been civilisations that managed without the wheel, but they had to have the sentence. And
sentences, as we know, are merely strings of words assembled in more or less the right, or at least readable order. Hours of fun and instruction, the world's best book, and every home should have one.
In 'The Irish Times, in Arts and Books', March 5th, 2011.
Couldn't agree more! One thing I always liked about my school syllabus was that whether you were doing arts or science, Spanish language and philosophy were always mandatory. A lot of people who were studying science disliked this fact very much. To me, though, it made a lot of sense. No matter what you wanted to be in life you would always have to think and be able to express yourself in your own language. Duh!
DeleteThank you, Tony for your contribution.
ReplyDeleteI've been learnig English for almost four years although at times it seems like eternity.
The first time ever I was able to read and adapteed book it was like I had landed over the
moon. Now I'm trapped in the advanced section of our Library School and I guess I'll be
there for long.
When I am flagging enthusiasm a teacher of mine usually tells me that learning a new
language is not a sprint but a marathon. So I've decided to slow down and enjoy the path.
Besides, I've realised that the main error in my part is considering a novel like a text book
and try to learn quickly new words and expressions and better if they are sophisticated.
In short, trees are not allowing my self to see the forest.
I won't flagellate myself anymore. What I aim to reach from now on is just to get the feel
of the book and who knows probably when I'm less expect I'll be landing over Mars
Sounds like even though you may make some mistakes when approaching a book, you are well aware of them and know how to avoid them.
DeleteI think that when we learn something as adults, we tend to ask too much from ourselves and might leave enjoyment behind. As you well say, reading books are not textbooks, but without knowing it we are learning a lot from them. It's hard to find a balance between being able to have fun as we read and at the same time using the texts to improve our language skills. It is just a matter of time, we only need to be patient.