How Bookstores Mirror a Nation’s Learning Culture
When I travel, I always try to fully experience the local culture in the most efficient way possible. It’s also fascinating to see how the mass media’s portrayal of a country reflects its true essence in real life.
One observation that caught my attention in local bookstores is how they reflect a nation’s learning culture, showcasing local interests and potentially offering insights into future national progress.
Here are three key aspects I have noticed:
1. The early queue outside bookstores
During my visit to 1990s Shanghai, China, I observed young teenagers enthusiastically lining up outside a popular bookstore before opening hours just to read books. This eagerness to learn reflects a positive learning culture and could indicate a correlation between knowledge-seeking, education, and subsequent economic growth.
2. The positioning of book genres at the forefront of the store
Another aspect I find intriguing is the genre of books displayed prominently at the front of the store. During my visit to a bookstore in Taipei, I noticed that the design genre was given prime placement. This observation led me to consider how a nation’s interest in design is fostered. It made me realise that bookstores have the power to influence the public by choosing to offer books on innovation, design, or simply entertainment news.
领英推荐
3. The opening hour of the bookstores
Bookstore opening hours reflect a culture that values knowledge and lifelong learning when they offer early morning or extended evening hours. This provides greater access to bookstores outside of regular working hours, promoting broader participation in intellectual pursuits and indicating a society that prioritises reading.
Positive learning culture
Encouraging a lifelong learning culture involves more than just providing free courses; it requires creating an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and inclusivity for people of all ages and interests. While the outcomes may take time to manifest, patience is essential to witness the desired results. By recognising and nurturing a positive learning culture, nations can pave the way for a brighter future of progress and development.
Stay connected on my journey of insights and inspiration.