Both reading and writing are social practices of paramount importance for the development of human cognition.
Both provide the development of intellect and imagination, in addition to promoting the acquisition of knowledge.
In this way, when we read, several connections occur in the brain that allow us to develop our reasoning. In addition, with this activity we sharpen our critical sense through the capacity for interpretation.
In this sense, it is worth remembering that the “interpretation” of texts is one of the essential keys to reading. After all, it is not enough to read or decode the linguistic codes, it is necessary to understand and interpret this reading.
The benefits of reading
There are many benefits that reading provides: development of imagination, creativity, communication, as well as increased vocabulary, general knowledge and critical sense.
In addition to these benefits, with reading we exercise our brain, which facilitates the interpretation of texts and leads to greater competence (skill) in writing.
When reading, the individual acquires a greater repertoire, expanding and expanding their cognitive horizons. Furthermore, studies show that the act of reading is very pleasurable as it reduces stress while stimulating reflection.
For this reason, reading should be encouraged from primary education onwards. Encouraging young children at home and creating habits are important keys for children to develop a taste for reading. A tip is to take them to libraries, bookstores or even tell stories for them.
For the Brazilian writer Monteiro Lobato: "A country is made with men and books".
Did you know?
From Latin, the word “reading” (reading), means election, choice.
The evolution of reading
With the invention of Printing (Typography) in 1455 by the German inventor Johannes Gutenberg (1398-1468), the act of reading (previously disclosed by manuscripts) expanded rapidly. Along with this, it provided greater dissemination and production of knowledge in the world.
With globalization and the acceleration of communicational and digital transformations of modernity (TVs, computers, cell phones, etc.) the act of reading was increasingly acquiring a place secondary.
However, such is the importance of reading in the world, technological expansion has provided other forms of reading, for example, the famous e-books.
Also read about the History of the Book.
Reading in Brazil
Studies show that in Brazil the average reading of Brazilians is 1 book per year. This data leaves us in one of the low positions in relation to other Latin American countries. In Argentina, for example, the annual average is 12 books per inhabitant.
This reality becomes more clarified when we think about the problem of “functional illiteracy”. That is, knowledge of the linguistic code combined with the limited ability to interpret texts. This is one of the main problems in education in the country, and therefore, the statistics are frightening.
According to surveys carried out by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics - IBGE (2010 census), around 20% of the Brazilian population is considered functionally illiterate. In this panorama, the northeast region stands out, with approximately 30% of the population.
This structural problem is due to the precariousness of public education in the country and the lack of incentives to support the habit and importance of reading in schools. However, several educational programs have focused on reading and writing.
According to former Minister of Culture Ana de Hollanda: “A rich country is a country of readers”.
Phrases about reading
- “Study was for me the sovereign remedy against the troubles of life, and there is no regret that an hour of reading has not comforted me..” (Montesquieu)
- “Reading after a certain age excessively distracts the human spirit from its creative reflections. Every man who reads too much and uses too little brain gets lazy to think.” (Albert Einstein)
- “You get to be great for what you read and not for what you write.” (Jorge Luis Borges)
- “Those who don't read don't want to know; who doesn't want to know, wants to make mistakes.” (Father Antônio Vieira)
- “Reading is a biological necessity of the species. No screen and no technology will be able to suppress the need for traditional reading.” (Umberto Eco)
- “My kids will have computers, yes, but first they will have books. Without books, without reading, our children will be unable to write - including their own story.” (Bill Gates)
To know more:
- Types of Writing
- Text Interpretation Tips
- text interpretation exercises
- Understanding and interpretation of texts
