In my letter of Jan. 16 ("Recreational reading will score"), I suggested that investing in libraries and promoting recreational reading would help English language development in Japan.
Chris Clancy objects in his Jan. 26 letter, "Pleasure reading presents hurdles." Clancy says that because of inadequate time and resources, libraries and pleasure reading will only "ensure growth in English ... after students finish school." Isn't this our goal?
Reading is a time-saver. Studies by Beniko Mason show that extensive reading is more efficient in terms of language acquired per hour than traditional instruction.
As for resources, it is interesting that we have spent millions on untested technology that is obsolete as soon as it is assembled, but are unwilling to buy books, which are never obsolete.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.