This can be translated as '25% of the Population of Brunei Like to Read'.This is supposed to be good ― the headline writer clearly thinks that 25% of the population enjoying books is excellent, something to celebrate. But my question is this: what about the other 75%? Don't they enjoy reading? And if not, why not?
Let's put this in context. Brunei traditionally has an oral culture, where great value is placed on family gatherings and chit-chatting over shared food. As such, some of my colleagues have told me that, when they were young and enjoyed being alone and reading a book, they were criticised for being antisocial. So maybe getting 25% to enjoy reading really is a mark of success.
Even so, it does seem a little strange that 25% is regarded as something to be pleased about, especially in today's knowledge-based economy where so much of the focus is on getting as many people as possible to achieve a high level of education.
