I read, you read, we read: the history of reading in Slovenia
ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of the article is to research reading habits in Slovenia in the period between 16th and 19th century and to find similarities with Austria and other European countries of that time. Methodology/approach: For the purpose of the analysis different resources were used – study...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Slovenian Library Association & University of Ljubljana Press (Založba Univerze v Ljubljani)
2011-10-01
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| Series: | Knjižnica |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.uni-lj.si/knjiznica/article/view/14304 |
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| Summary: | ABSTRACT
Purpose: The aim of the article is to research reading habits in Slovenia in the period between 16th and 19th century and to find similarities with Austria and other European countries of that time.
Methodology/approach: For the purpose of the analysis different resources were used – study books, catechisms, prayer books and manuals. We were focused on introductions in which readers are advised how to read, explaining to whom the work is intended and emphasizing the importance of meditation on the texts.
Results: Historically the laud reading was prefered, as to continue the folk tradition. However, the 16th century texts were transmitted by women while the folk tradition was narrated by males. In the 18th century the higher level of literacy and greater book production and availability caused that the books were not a privilege of a few. At that time more texts were intended for silent, individual reading. Interestingly, the authors emphasized the importance of meditation on the texts, too. It was also advised when to read – it wasrecommedend to read in leisure time on Sundays, and on holidays. The role of books was also to breakaway with the reality and to forget everyday problems. Due to the overproduction of books in the 17th centrury it was concerned that books are misleading the crowds. The church considered the reading of books as inappropriate, and criticized fiction, novels and adventure stories mostly read by women.
Research limitation: The study is based on Slovenian texts only, although the foreign literature, especially in German, was generally available, too.
Originality/practical implications: The study is fullfiling the gap in the history of reading in Slovenia. |
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| ISSN: | 0023-2424 1581-7903 |