Introduction
The diversity of people’s cultures and traditions creates various values and norms that reflect each co-culture. In particular, activity shapes world perception, symbols, and other aspects of human life. This essay will discuss the co-culture’s features based on hobbies, such as those of readers and travelers. The gradual involvement of people in a particular activity not only gives them a new, unique experience but can fundamentally change their way of life and their values.
Readers
Symbols and Language
Symbols play an essential role among readers because they represent the contents of the books they read. For example, a group of people who like to read can gather and discuss the book’s main characters, locations, and other attributes. The characters of the works become the prototypes of the actual actions of these people, and consequently, certain symbols are created (Duke and Cartwright 4), such as Sherlock Holmes, whose actions symbolize keen minds and critical thinking.
It is noteworthy that, regarding readers, their language will be very different from that of the readers. It is due not only to the general level of education but also to the books they prefer to read. For example, readers who prefer fiction will enrich their vocabulary with futuristic words, such as those from the technology field (Lamb 7). On the other hand, people who prefer history will use historical terminology and facts.
Values and Norms
Considering the interview with Julia Sanches to determine the readers’ values will be helpful. According to Julia Sanches’s interview, “I always try to find companions for the books I am translating, not only in subject matter but also in style” (2). Therefore, it is important to emphasize that for many readers, the value of reading lies not only in the pleasure of the content but also in the study of the style and manner of the author’s writing.
However, this factor depends mainly on the reader’s age and devotion to reading (Wolf 17). The norms can be distinguished, such as intelligence and politeness in conversation, a vast vocabulary, a high level of erudition, and others. In addition, readers appreciate books physically and consider them expensive things that can decorate any home.
Travelers
Symbols and Language
The main symbols of travelers are freedom and a constant desire to learn new things. This culture involves searching for symbols such as geographical and human attractions, historical sites, etc. Each city is a specific symbol for travelers in the context of new knowledge and experience (Hale 4). In addition, speaking about the language of travelers, it is worth emphasizing the significant number of terms related to factors such as equipment and travel tools. They may include the attributes of tents, cooking, and various terms related to flights and hotel reservations.
Values and Norms
While considering travelers’ characteristics, special attention should be paid to their values. Just as in the case of readers, travelers’ values may vary depending on different aspects of a person’s personality. Travelers who prefer an active lifestyle and extreme pastimes value aspects such as unity with nature, physical activity, and exploring remote places. Some travelers see travel as an essential tool for education and self-development.
For example, Hale states, “Educational travel has been demonstrated to be an effective means of education to develop sustainable and pro-environmental behaviors” (1). It is important to note that this factor also increases the level of norms of travelers. For example, awareness of the value and beauty of nature makes environmental care and cleanliness a norm. Some travelers become eco-activists, and some advocate for preserving the historical heritage of cities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to state that both readers and travelers have specific activities that shape their life perceptions. Because of the immersion in the process with passion, people start to rethink their attitudes and values. The interview used in the essay allowed one to understand the specific values of readers. On the other hand, the journal article allows one to realize the importance of education and self-improvement for travelers.
Works Cited
Duke, Nell, and Cartwright, Kelly. The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading. Reading Research Quarterly, vol. 56, No. 1, pp. S25-S44. Web.
Hale, Brack. “Wisdom for Traveling Far: Making Educational Travel Sustainable.” Sustainability, vol. 11, no. 11, 2019, p. 3048. Crossref. Web.
Julia Sanches interview: ‘The mythical English reader is just that, a myth’. (2023). The Booker Prizes. Web.
Lamb, Edel. Reading children in early modern culture. Springer International Publishing, 2018.
Wolf, Maryanne. Reader, come home: The reading brain in a digital world. HarperCollins, 2018.