Reading has often come to be perceived as an exercise reserved for study or, in the worst cases, segmented as an exclusive taste of “cultured” people.
Far from stigmas and misguided prejudices, this practice has the power to associate us with new possibilities of knowledge and imaginative resources. These lie in a wide area of formats where paper and virtuality stand out.
María Raquel Montenegro, director of the Network for Initial Literacy in Central America of the Educational Research Center of the Universidad del Valle of Guatemala, highlights the importance of the reading transition today by exemplifying that, many times when reading on a digital device , instead of turning the pages from right to left – as in a physical book -, the fingers have moved from bottom to top. This represents a significant change, as it involves concentration on the ability to understand different types of texts and structures.
“Reading skills are common in all formats, but each one requires a different approach,” argues the director of the Network for Initial Literacy of Central America.
Montenegro also mentions that the ways in which we interact with readings have varied. For example, the linearity of traditional text has been altered in virtuality, as well as the introduction of elements such as hyperlinks and hypertexts have transformed the experience. Now, we have the option to mark parts of the text and return to them with a single click.
On the other hand, the specialist reflects on the gestures and nostalgia of the printed book, such as the smell of paper and the tactile sensation of turning the pages. “The ritual associated with reading a printed book is meaningful to many people. Although the digital book offers advantages such as hyperlinks and linear reading,” she points out.
From the reading clubs of the 30 Books cultural initiative, its coordinator Anita Aldana has observed that the majority of attendees prefer reading on paper. As she explains, reading on paper connects more with the senses, activating stimuli and generating greater retention of information.
“It is perceived that reading on paper involves more senses and is more deeply related to the reading experience. On the other hand, digital reading stands out for its ability to process a greater amount of information in less time,” argues the coordinator of the reading space.
Aldana also points out that reading on screens is a challenge since, unlike physical books, manipulation and feedback with the text are not as simple.
In addition, it points out that digital reading can lead to a decrease in analysis capacity and attention due to constant exposure to distractions on devices such as notifications, so-called multitasking and external interruptions. For Aldana, this situation can lead to a loss of productivity by not being able to focus on a single task efficiently.
“Reading makes us more patient, it helps us remember better, pay attention to details and stay curious. It also allows us to imagine different scenarios based on the same text, and to enjoy it to the fullest, you need a curious mind, open to questioning and constantly learning,” says Aldana, who does not ignore the importance of concentration.
María Raquel Montenegro explains that the importance of reading varies depending on our objective and understanding when reading. If we are looking for information on a topic, what is relevant is not the format, but rather developing the skills necessary to understand. “In the end, a good reader is one who has the ability to be exposed to different types of texts and understand them,” emphasizes the director of the Network for Initial Literacy of Central America.
Montenegro adds that narration is essential in human life, since it allows us to understand informative and argumentative texts. He highlights that fluency is key when reading, and doing it continuously helps to relate what we read with its meaning more easily.
“It is important to get our eyes used to reading more words to achieve that fluency. The objective is also to generate interest in what we are reading,” adds the specialist.
Montenegro points out that narration is fundamental in human life, since it allows us to understand informative and argumentative texts. To enjoy reading more, he recommends choosing topics that interest us and motivate us to read. Additionally, it is important to ask ourselves why we read, as well as monitor our comprehension to fulfill our reading purpose.
Anita Aldana suggests, in addition to having a curious mind when reading, using techniques such as underlining and making annotations in the text. In the case of digital reading, she recommends eliminating distractors, for example activating airplane mode on the electronic device or using a specific reading device (such as Kindles). She also stresses the importance of taking care of your eyesight and avoiding distractions, such as music, that can interfere with reading.
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