Reading culture - the knowledge foundation of a developed society

In the constant flow of the digital age, reading culture is no longer limited to reading paper books but is expanding to many new forms of access such as e-books, audiobooks, online reading applications, etc. However, no matter how the methods change, the core values ​​of reading culture - nurturing thinking, cultivating personality and creating a foundation of knowledge - are always preserved.

Reading books at Dam Ha district library ( Quang Ninh province). Photo: HD

A long tradition

Vietnamese people have long had a tradition of respecting knowledge and loving books. The image of teachers at desks and students reading thin books, containing the desire to change their lives through words, has been imprinted in the memories of many generations. Reading culture has been the pride of many families and clans, cultivated through small bookshelves and late-night stories.

However, with the rapid development of technology, especially the explosion of social networks and mobile devices, reading habits are facing many challenges. Young people are increasingly drawn to short, fast, easy-to-absorb content – ​​but also easy to forget, lacking depth and critical thinking.

Yen Bai Provincial Library has promoted the operation of the Internet access room, serving the needs of readers in the digital age. Photo: YB Newspaper

Reading culture in the digital age

Dr. Vu Thuy Duong - Head of Publishing Department, Academy of Journalism and Communication commented: “We are living in an era where information is always at our fingertips, but that does not mean that readers become more profound. Reading culture is not just about what to read, but more importantly, how to read, to understand, to criticize and to develop”.

She also believes that the Publishing industry is facing strong demands for innovation to adapt to the new era. It is undeniable that formats such as e-books, audiobooks, and digital reading platforms are opening up opportunities for easier and more flexible access to knowledge, especially for the younger generation - those who are more attached to smartphones than to paper books.

However, according to Ms. Duong, to maintain a sustainable reading culture, close coordination is needed between families, schools, media agencies and public policies. “We cannot expect children to love reading if there are no books at home, parents do not read; or if at school, the library is empty and teachers do not encourage reading beyond textbooks,” Ms. Duong said.

Sharing of Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hoa (75 years old, retired cadre, Hanoi ): “I still keep the habit of reading books and newspapers every day, even though there are many e-books now. The feeling of holding a book, smelling the new paper, turning each page, it is like a close friend throughout my life. Books teach me how to be a person, help me understand the past, appreciate the present and hope for the future. I always teach my grandchildren that: reading books is a way to slow down, think more deeply and love more”.

According to Tran Gia Han (19 years old, Information Technology student at the University of Technology - National University): “The digital age makes it easier for me to access books than ever before, with just a few taps I can read thousands of books on my phone. But I think reading culture is not just about reading a lot, but reading selectively and knowing how to contemplate. Social networks bring fast information, while books give me a solid foundation. No matter how technology changes, the habit of reading deeply and thinking carefully is still something I want to preserve.”

Although the form of reading has changed, from paper books to e-books, reading culture still maintains its core values, nurturing knowledge, training thinking and connecting people with the world. Whether young or old, reading is still a journey of continuous discovery and growth.

The program "One book for every youth" is organized to raise awareness about the value of reading culture. Photo: CP Newspaper

Read to grow up

Reading culture is not just a personal matter. It is the foundation for building a learning society and a knowledge-based economy. A country that wants to develop sustainably needs citizens who know how to receive and process information scientifically, have critical thinking, and are adaptable – qualities that largely come from reading.

In fact, many countries have considered developing a reading culture as a national strategy. In Vietnam, the Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day (April 21) was established in 2014 and has become an occasion to honor the value of books and encourage reading in the community. Many localities, schools, libraries, etc. organize book fairs, reading festivals, and book storytelling competitions - contributing to arousing a love of books from an early age. However, challenges still exist, the rate of reading in the community is still low; the gap in access to books between regions; the lack of good books, standard books; and the phenomenon of rampant publishing and commercialization that disturbs true values.

Photo: Nghe An

The digital age brings challenges, but also great opportunities for reading culture to take on a new look. Modern technology platforms can completely become tools to spread reading culture if properly oriented. And above all, reading culture needs to originate from each individual - from choosing to read instead of surfing the internet, from a moment of contemplation with a book instead of quickly skimming through short information lines.

Reading is not to compete, but to understand oneself, understand life, and constantly grow in thought. Because a strong nation cannot be strong only in economy, but must also be strong in soul, in knowledge - and that starts from the quiet but profound pages of books.

The Resolution of the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam clearly stated: “Developing comprehensive human beings and building an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity so that culture truly becomes an endogenous strength, a driving force for national development and national defense”. Therefore, building a culture, including a reading culture of the whole people and society, is a “must-do immediately”.

Source: https://thanhtra.com.vn/an-sinh-AFA9C5670/van-hoa-doc-nen-tang-tri-thuc-cua-mot-xa-hoi-phat-trien-d8caa5504.html