The tide of globalization makes it essential for everybody riding the tide to pick up a second, or even a third, language. The advancement of information and communication technology is partly responsible for bringing the tide and it also changes the way a second language can be acquired. This forum invites learners and will-be-learners, experts and nonexperts, to present and discuss views on how is best to learn a second language in the 21st century and beyond.
Thanks for sharing this fantastic picture on our blog! It makes me think of the importance of developing a lifelong passion for reading. Imagine if we enjoy reading as much as this girl does.. I believe in the power of extensive reading. Particularly in second language laerning, we can build a larger vocabulary by reading a vast amount of reading materials. And of course, a lot more benefits to think about!
When we talk about embracing reading, we need to think about WHAT to read, HOW to read, and read for WHAT. Emerson said that books are the best type of the influence of the past into the spirit of the scholar. But, he cautioned that we need to be Man Thinking when reading books. If not, we are bookworms. I quite agree with him. What we need is critical reading. Non-critical reading would lead to fast-information (analogous to fast-food) obesity and is not healthy to the mind.
Is there a logical relationship between embracing reading and embracing words (and sentences)? If one embraces words and sentences, I suppose one also embraces reading. But, the reverse does not necessarily follow. One can embrace reading without appreciating the beauty of words and sentences.
Hi 阿贊,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this fantastic picture on our blog! It makes me think of the importance of developing a lifelong passion for reading. Imagine if we enjoy reading as much as this girl does.. I believe in the power of extensive reading. Particularly in second language laerning, we can build a larger vocabulary by reading a vast amount of reading materials. And of course, a lot more benefits to think about!
So, how much time do you spend reading each day?
How do you define reading? Does browsing web pages or reading emails count?
ReplyDeleteWell I'm referring to books and articles here, either online or paper books/articles. Emails and posts are not included.
DeleteWhen we talk about embracing reading, we need to think about WHAT to read, HOW to read, and read for WHAT. Emerson said that books are the best type of the influence of the past into the spirit of the scholar. But, he cautioned that we need to be Man Thinking when reading books. If not, we are bookworms. I quite agree with him. What we need is critical reading. Non-critical reading would lead to fast-information (analogous to fast-food) obesity and is not healthy to the mind.
ReplyDeleteIs there a logical relationship between embracing reading and embracing words (and sentences)? If one embraces words and sentences, I suppose one also embraces reading. But, the reverse does not necessarily follow. One can embrace reading without appreciating the beauty of words and sentences.
ReplyDelete