TECH
whether the text is on paper or if it is on a digital device. Having said that, a paper version is definitively easier to manoeuvre as the reader can flip pages quickly and return to the original page on the spot, whereas a digital format allows the reader to find information by using one click. However, it entails a different skill when browsing the text. The screen does not always show the entire page and it can only be seen partially, especially when an application on a mobile is used. Besides, books are stored on a bookshelf and they are a reminder of what we have as well as being a piece of furniture. Whoever visits us they know what we are into. On the other hand, digital texts are not so personal and they do not play the same additional role as printed books and they do not make a decor of our room. Q: What do you want to tell your children or all children in general about the difference between the experience of reading print books and the experience of reading e-books? A: Bearing in mind that we live in a digital age, I would humbly encourage them read texts they have access to, which are appropriate, either on their tablet or on paper so that they can learn more about interesting topics and get used to reading in their free time. It should be mentioned that bookshops and libraries have not disappeared yet and it is worth going to a library where one can sit down with an interesting book and where various events are also organised. For example, stories are read out by a member or staff or an invited guest. In this way, children are introduced paper books, which have a number of qualities that cannot be replicated electronically such as the texture of pages, their material or how the book is handled and kept: normally on a bookshelf. Furthermore, it is safer to carry a book than a device with the book and other, sometimes important, data. Q: If you caught a young student reading a print book in the middle of everybody reading e-books in the library or at a coffee shop, what would
notion. On the other hand, a paper book appears to be less risky and reading might be more expedient, during a short journey on a crowded bus it seems safer and more convenient to grab a book than pull out a device, switch it on and wait until it is fully operational. Then probably you would need to find the item you are interested in. Besides, an electronic device can break down and all its data might be gone in one second. I am sorry to say that but the curse of modern times is social inequality: the gap between the rich and the poor has widened, consequently, among other problems, thefts thrive and whoever is in possession of a valuable item must watch out; a laps of concentration may lead to the loss of a precious electronic belonging. Q: As a professional linguist and a professional translator who grew up reading print books, are you happy with the fact that most people nowadays are reading e-books rather than print books? Explain. A: Yes, I am thrilled whenever I can see somebody reading a text in the shape of a book as this indicates that the person is learning and wants to increase their knowledge apart from having a good time; actually, it does not matter
billion was stolen, £ 2,300.00 per minute. Last week, I had the privilege of interpreting at Bedford Magistrates’ Court together with my female colleague, Malgorzata, who appeared to be chatty. After the hearing, we went to McDonald’s for a cuppa; we both knew that we had a unique chance to socialize as normally we are so immersed in work and in checking the company portal for job offers. By the way, Kew Gardens is the most delightful place where my soul can recover among the trees and plants from all over the world, where the intimacy with the nature reminds me of the very sense of my existence and of how bad it would be if I were devoid of its magnificent beauty. Q: What are the best three pros and worst three cons of reading e-books? A: In short, e-books can be purchased and downloaded within minutes; they can also be stored in a device and retrieved at anytime anywhere. Next, they can be read in the dark as the screen can be adjusted according to the visibility. Finally, the reader is able to make notes, copy text and pass it on to another person or to keep it stored for a specific purpose. Whilst connected to the internet, the reader may be able to do research to find out more about a vague
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EC Magazines | London-T aipei Edition 202 6
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