Promoting Reading Culture and English Reading Habits: Towards English as a Second Language
Understanding the significance of fostering a strong reading culture in this digital era, from June 18 to 20, the Faculty of English Linguistics and Literature (EF), University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM (USSH, VNU-HCM), in collaboration with Prof. Robert Brian Waring, a distinguished Professor at Okayama University, Japan and a leading global scholar in Extensive Reading, hosted a series of international seminars on developing English reading habits to enhance language acquisition in academic and real-world contexts. The initiative also aimed to raise awareness of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) in Vietnam, a longstanding focus of EF’s teaching and research over nearly three decades.
Prof. Waring, who will serve as an Adjunct Professor under the newly approved VNU350 Program, is expected to engage in long-term collaboration with USSH. This event marked a key milestone in the partnership between EF and the Extensive Reading Foundation. It also demonstrated the impact of the VNU350 Program, aligned with the Ministry of Education and Training's (MOET) national roadmap for promoting ESL in schools for the 2025–2035 term, with a vision to 2045. The seminars also reflected the achievements of Phase II of the Extensive Reading project co-led by EF and Prof. Waring.
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lưu Văn Quyết, Vice Rector of USSH, emphasized that reading is also a foundation for critical thinking, learner autonomy, and global integration. In the context of digital transformation, fostering a reading culture, especially in English, facilitates both knowledge and language acquisition.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lưu Văn Quyết, USSH Vice Rector, emphasized that reading is the foundation for critical thinking, learner autonomy and global integration - Photo: LÝ NGUYÊN
Representing the EF leadership, Dr. Võ Thị Nữ Anh expressed appreciation for Prof. Waring’s continued collaboration and affirmed EF’s commitment to supporting MOET’s ESL initiative through sustained academic efforts.
Dr. Võ Thị Nữ Anh, Deputy Head of EF, expressed her gratitude and wished the event a great success - Photo: Đức Quyền
The seminar on June 18, titled “Introduction to Extensive Reading and Graded Readers”, provided a comprehensive overview of one of the most effective and sustainable language learning approaches. Prof. Waring highlighted how learners can freely select materials aligned with their interests and proficiency levels, enabling natural and pressure-free language acquisition. Graded readers, a type of simplified classic novels, were presented as effective tools to build vocabulary, reading comprehension, and cultural awareness.
On June 19, the second seminar, “Enhancing Creative Writing through Critical Thinking,” explored the connection between reading, writing, and thinking abilities. Through a practical and empowering approach, Prof. Waring guided participants in developing personal writing styles in English via deep reading and critical analysis.
Professor Robert Brian Waring presents at the seminar - Photo: LÝ NGUYÊN
The third seminar, held in two sessions on June 19 and 20, was titled “Research and Publishing in Extensive Reading and Second Language Acquisition.” This forum facilitated in-depth dialogue among faculty, graduate students, and researchers on research methodology, topic selection, international publication, and academic networking. Prof. Waring's insights offered both direction and motivation for scholars seeking to engage in the global research community, particularly in TESOL and Applied Linguistics.
Group photo after the seminar - Photo: LÝ NGUYÊN
Beyond their academic value, the seminars reflected EF’s strategic vision in building a modern, learner-centered, and global-oriented environment. With the support of USSH, VNU-HCM leadership, a distinguished speaker, and active learner engagement, the event helped open new pathways in English language teaching and learning, advancing the broader goal of positioning English as a second language in Vietnam’s academic landscape.
Source: LÝ NGUYÊN - TUẤN VỦ
Translated by: Như Quỳnh Lý
