World Book Day: Are People Reading More?
最近、何か本を読みましたか？どんな本が好きでしたか？今日は「世界本の日」について話しましょう。(English) Have you read any books lately? What kind of book did you like? Let's talk about World Book Day today.
World Book Day: Are People Reading More?
//Summary - Level-C2//
World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated on April 23, emphasizes the importance of literature. Studies suggest people are reading less, with a 2022 survey finding 50% of US adults hadn't read a book in over a year. However, the pandemic rekindled reading habits for many. Global book sales, including digital, have declined by 1% yearly since 2017 but are expected to rise by 2.5% in 2023, reaching $78 billion. The US, China, Germany, and Japan contribute the most to global book revenues.
Some might say reading a good book is like escaping to another world. Through the pages, you can learn new things, encounter new people and explore new places while sitting comfortably in the same spot.
And on April 23 every year, World Book and Copyright Day celebrate the importance of literature. It was first started by UNESCO in 1995 to promote the enjoyment of books and reading.
The date was chosen because several famous authors died that day, including William Shakespeare, Don Quixote's Miguel de Cervantes and English poet William Wordsworth.
Celebrating occasions like this might be more critical since several studies over the past decade have suggested that people are reading less than they once did.
For example, a 2022 survey by education company Test Prep Insight found that nearly 50% of US adults hadn't read a book in over a year.
But other studies have found that the COVID-19 pandemic helped many people rekindle their love of reading.
Nearly 60% of over 5,000 participants in a 2021 survey by the Book Riot website said they were reading more since the pandemic began.
And in December 2022, a smaller survey of 945 people in 56 countries — by THGM Writing Services — found that two-thirds of readers planned to read more books in 2023 than in 2022.
However, according to literature data company WordsRated, global book sales — including digital books — have declined by an average of about 1% per year since 2017. And while sales did increase by almost 8% in 2021, they dropped 10% in 2022.
It's anticipated they will increase by about 2.5% in 2023 to $78 billion.
About a quarter of the world's book revenues come from the US. About 20% come from China, and around 9% each come from Germany and Japan.
//Vocabulary//
encounter
Verb
ɪnˈkaʊntər
to meet someone in an unexpected way
James is one of the most remarkable people I've ever experienced.
spot
Noun
spɑːt
a place, point, or position
This is my favourite spot to watch the sunset.
rekindle
Verb
ˌriːˈkɪndl
to revive or bring something back to a previous condition
The team's victory helped to rekindle their enthusiasm and motivate them for the upcoming season.
decline
Verb
dɪˌklaɪn
to decrease in size, amount, etc.
International tourist arrivals declined by 73% in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
anticipate
Verb
ænˈtɪsəˌpeɪt
to expect or consider something as likely; to be aware of something that may happen and take action to prepare for it
Most shops anticipate an increase in sales during the holiday season.
revenue
Noun
ˈrɛvənˌjuː
money that a government or organization earns
Apple generated $365 billion in revenue in 2021.
//Discussion//
1. What are your thoughts on the findings of these studies?
->
I was surprised that the book sales in Japan were quite large.
Business books and comics are also included, which may be natural considering the significant population.
However, I thought that e-books would become mainstream, but I believe that the merits of paper books are being reconsidered.
2. Do you read more now than in the past? Do you plan to read more in 2023?
->
Yes, I read more and more.
I started writing my blog a year ago and read a lot of videos and articles, but I also bought many paper books.
3. Did the pandemic change your reading habits in any way?
->
Yes, it has changed.
Once again, I realized that reading a paper book is easier to understand, and it is fun to pick it up and read.
4. Do you know anyone who hasn't read a book in years?
->
Yes, I think my mother probably didn't read a book.
She likes watching videos, movies and dramas on TV and the Internet.
She also talks to people, does choir activities, and is less at home.
However, my father will read many books.
5. Expect book revenues to rise or fall over the next few decades?
->
I do not think so.
The latest volume of Haruki Murakami was released last week.
350,000 copies were printed in 6 days.
If a good book is released, I think the book will sell well.
//Further Discussion//
6. What were the first books you remember enjoying?
->
The books I consciously asked my parents to buy for me were Sherlock Holmes short stories.
It was also aired on TV dramas, and it was very familiar.
Holmes has a different personality and work style, but I admired his attitude towards work and high career level.
7. What was the last book you bought? What made you want to buy it?
->
The other day I bought Haruki Murakami's latest book, "The City and its Uncertain Walls".
It's the first new book in 6 years, so I feel I've been waiting for it.
I have read most of Haruki's books.
When I was 20, I read his "dance dance dance" for the first time.
His writing style of confessing only to me immediately captivated me.
8. Do you ever read digital books? If so, what device do you use?
->
Yes, I have read.
I read some English texts and business books on my iPhone.
However, I soon got tired of it, and it was only those two books.
I prefer paper books because they are more familiar.
9. Are you into audiobooks? If so, what do you like about them? If not, why not?
->
I haven't heard much about it, but I am very interested.
I have heard the Heike Monogatari in Japanese on YouTube.
It was a very long one, 12 in 2 hours.
The voice was beautiful and a long and challenging story, but it was easy to understand, and I could keep listening.
10. Books are the mirrors of the soul. — Virginia Woolf. What are your thoughts on this statement?
->
Looking at my bookshelf, I can reflect on my history of what interests me.
I'm a little embarrassed that the physical quantity represents my interest.