Reading is good for the soul, but it takes time to find out

Last week, Viet Nam News invited its readers to share their reading habits in the light of the proliferation of other media. Here are some of the comments we have received.

Jeffry M. Tupas, reporter at the Philippines Daily Inquirer, Davao City 

I love reading a lot, even in the toilet. Everything from old magazines to fiction novels appeals to me. We have many book sales here, if you are lucky you can get one for as low as 45 pesos or about a dollar.

Untouched, pristine books are usually priced between 300 to 700 pesos ($7-16). What is interesting here is that there are no foreign books translated into Filipino.

If you buy a foreign author, you get it in English, which explains why our English is so good. I agree that the internet has revolutionised the way we live and entertain, but it has by no means managed to completely kill off print media which still receives a lot of support.

People don't always have the patience to read electronic copies and would still rather smell the scent of paper and ink. To create a long-lasting reading habit, we have to return to basics, which means we have to read to young children and instil in them the beauty and benefits of reading.

In my newspaper, we have a successful programme called read-along which brings readers, celebrities, communities and schools together in reading stories to children.

NBC lover, Vietnamese, Ha Noi 

Having only established a book-reading habit recently, I have to admit it is kind of difficult to maintain with so many other fancy things available at my fingertips.

During my childhood I spent a lot of time in extra classes or at home doing heaps of homework with no time left to enjoy leisurely activities. When I went to college, things improved a little, but most of the books I read at that time were technical as required by my studies. I was luckier than some of my other friends because my university had the best library in town with spacious reading rooms and a wide range of books.

Thanks to the internet, I have access to large book collections. Overwhelmed by such an abundance of reading material, I have no idea where to start let alone contemplate what I might have just managed my way through.

One unique competitive edge electronic readers have over traditional book readers is the immediate access they have to almost every book in the world.

Back in January when Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother dominated every best selling list on the planet, thanks to electronic dist-ribution via Amazon, I was able to read it as soon as any American reader using a Kindle, an IT reading device.

If it was an ordinary book I would have had to wait for at least six months to get my hands on a translated copy in Viet Nam, but I prefer reading books in the original language. Original copies of foreign books are not common here, as a majority of people cannot read books in English. Kindles have become so convenient that many of my friends have bought them.

From my own experience, I have observed that Vietnamese youngsters are less interested in reading than older people. Wherever I go, be it a sunny beach in Bali or a crowded airport in Hong Kong, I can see many people indulging in a book, which is something I seldom see in Viet Nam.

I am, however, sceptical about the ministry's proposal to increase the ratio of regular book readers because I do not see any concrete measures accompanying it. Things are often easier said than done.

Vu Thuy Trang, Vietnamese, Tokyo 

My friends are divided when it comes to reading. While some believe that reading is not reading without a real book, tech junkies like me often opt for electronic devices because of their portability and convenience. Many applications have been optimally developed for the purpose of reading on a mobile device.

Normally, Japanese com-mute to work via public transportation so they have to spend time on trains for up to two hours. Reading books often help save them from boredom.

In addition, Japanese culture emphasises punctuality so people often come into a meeting 30 to 60 minutes earlier, reading a book while they wait. People here even have a habit of buying a new book whenever they travel. I know a Japanese person who, while extremely busy, might compromise his time in class, but would never miss his daily reading time in a cafe.

Laura Stenes, France, Ha Noi  

Having been in Viet Nam for only four months, I miss French newspapers. Reading the news on a computer screen is unbearable to me. I get a headache after only two or three articles! I prefer paper copies to keep myself informed properly.

I would not mind switching to an electronic device such as an IPad (an electronic device more like a book), through which I could subscribe to my favourite French magazines and newspapers even though I am halfway around the world.

I have heard that screen quality is better than that of computer screens and that it is adapted to intensive reading. Plus, IPads and other similar devices do seem to enhance the quantity one is capable of reading.

Having one in your bag is a convenient way of accessing books and magazines anywhere, anytime. I do not think I'll ever quit turning actual pages though, seeing as I write book reviews for a newspaper in France and as I enjoy holding a book in my hands.

In my opinion, nobody ever reads enough. So much time is wasted doing nothing after which you tell yourself: "I could have read about two or three books by now."

Ryan Rosauro, Filipino, Davao City 

In a given day, I spend at least two hours reading popular literature, including newspapers, magazines and journals, especially those relating to current affairs. I read things that I bump into as I scan work-related materials and through the recommendations of friends (via Facebook mostly).

In a given month, I strive to finish one thematic book, mostly about peace, history and general affairs. My daily reading grind is largely electronic while for thematic books I prefer hard copies.

Interest in reading can be sustained by people having an interest in a variety of subjects. In our formative years, we become literate through reading and as we further develop, we become voracious consumers of the printed word, in whatever form it comes to us.

Carla Castillo Salirungan, Filipino, Singapore 

While I own a lot of books, I unfortunately get distracted by the internet which means I end up not reading any of them. But given the choice, I still prefer to read books instead of using electronic reading devices because having a book in my hands, touching and smelling the paper, makes me feel more connected to the story thereby providing a better reading experience.

Honestly, I do not know how we can encourage people to read because it is a dying pastime. People are too lazy and want things to be quick and/or visual so they prefer to spend time on the Internet. I agree that reading is good for the soul but it's hard to convince people of this benefit.

Vu Diem Huong, Ha Noi, Viet Nam 

I love reading books, especially short stories. Currently, I read a short story a week. I love walking along Dinh Le Street (home to many bookstores) every afternoon, finding new stories.

I rarely read books on the computer. My eyes will be hurt if I spend too much time in front of a screen. Moreover, I like lying in my lovely bed, reading my favourite books before going to sleep.

Today's youth do not read many books. To create long-lasting reading habits, regular book-reading events and fairs should be held. Parents should also encourage their children to read books when they are still young. — VNS

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This week:

Several years ago, the Central Highland province of Dak Lak established brocade co-operatives for ethnic minorities as a way of preserving the traditional craft of brocade weaving while improving living standards.

However, many of these co-operatives are reported to have closed down or are operating at a loss. A shortage of output, poor designs and high costs have been blamed for their failure.

H'Dam Nie, Chairman of the Tong Bong Co-operative, the only one still operating in Buon Ma Thuot City, said each member could only make two handmade products per month.

These products were usually on display in local souvenir shops, but attracted little attention from tourists, and consequently, were not making any money, she said.

The craft has also been shunned by many youngsters, who have turned to occupations that have a higher income.

Are you fond of traditional handicrafts in Viet Nam, especially brocade products? Have you ever bought any? Is it difficult to find a brocade shop in the place you're living?

In your opinion, what should be done to promote crafts in local villages and encourage young people to learn them?

Could you tell us how traditional handicrafts are preserved in your country?