<aside> 📖 What are the reading habits in Portugal?

• The reading habits of the Portuguese vary, but there is a growing appreciation for literature, both national and international.
• The purchase of books in Portugal is influenced by factors such as recommendations, best-sellers, and promotions. Independent bookstores, large chains, and online platforms are the main sales points.

However…

💡This data implies that while there is a trend of buying books among consumers, it does not necessarily translate into an increase in reading. It appears that the act of purchasing books is more prevalent than the practice of reading them, indicating a gap between acquisition and actual consumption of literary content.

</aside>

<aside> 📚 How is reading related to access to culture in general?

• Reading more can expand understanding and appreciation of various forms of cultural expression, making culture more accessible and comprehensible.

  From a Cognitive Perspective:

  • Human Development and Social Relations (Vygotsky, 2001): If human beings are shaped by their social and cultural interactions, books, as products of these interactions, become essential tools for transmitting and perpetuating culture. They provide a window into different perspectives, stories, and cultural contexts.
  • Pseudo-Reality and Dialectical Thinking (Kosik, 2010): Books challenge pseudo-reality by presenting different perspectives and promoting critical thinking. They allow us to question and reflect on established cultural and social norms.
  • Activity and Consciousness (Leontiev, 1978): In reading, individuals engage in an intellectual activity driven by motives and meanings. This activity, especially when involving the reading of culturally rich literature, broadens awareness and understanding of the world.
  • Concept Formation (Davydov, 1988): Books facilitate the transition from everyday concepts to scientific or theoretical concepts. They introduce us to advanced forms of knowledge, allowing a deeper understanding of culture and society.
  • Language and Dialogue (Bakhtin, 2003): Language is a reflection of culture. Books, as vehicles of language, promote dialogue between different social voices, enabling interaction and understanding among diverse cultures and perspectives.

  

  

</aside>

<aside> 🗣 What is the relationship between reading and a sense of community?

• Reading, especially in collaborative environments, can strengthen the sense of community. Reading groups and book clubs are examples of how reading can bring people together and foster enriching discussions.

• Collaborative learning, where individuals learn together through discussion and reflection, can be enhanced through shared reading.

• A strong sense of community is associated with better quality of life. Feeling part of a community can provide emotional, social, and even economic support.

• Cohesive communities tend to have more engaged and satisfied members, which can lead to better mental health and overall well-being.

  

  

  

</aside>

<aside> ⚠️ Can reading be considered a form of cultural engagement?

“Reading serves as a gateway to culture, offering access to diverse perspectives and cultural contexts. This expands one's understanding and appreciation of culture, making it more accessible. Cognitively, books are essential tools for transmitting and perpetuating culture; they challenge pseudo-realities, promote critical thinking, broaden awareness, and facilitate the formation of advanced concepts. Moreover, the language in books fosters dialogue between different social voices, facilitating interaction and understanding among various cultures and viewpoints.”

Source: Uma história da leitura de Alberto Manguel (2020).

</aside>