Have you ever picked up a manga and felt a little lost about which way to read it? It’s a common experience for newcomers! Unlike Western comics, manga follows a different reading direction, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit confused at first. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many manga even include helpful guides at the beginning to point you in the right direction.
Why is Manga Read from Right to Left?
The unique right-to-left reading style of manga is rooted in traditional Japanese writing. Historically, Japanese was written vertically, in columns running from top to bottom, and these columns were read from right to left across the page. This writing system is known as tategaki (縦書き), literally meaning ‘vertical writing’. Manga inherited this directionality. So, when you read manga, you’re essentially following the age-old flow of Japanese text. Everything from the panels and speech bubbles to the action sequences and sound effects is designed to be read in this right-to-left progression, the opposite of the left-to-right flow familiar in English.
Why Western Comic Books Use a Left-to-Right Flow
In contrast to manga, Western comics, written in languages like English, are read from left to right, mirroring the natural reading direction of these languages. Western comics typically follow a “Z-path” reading pattern across the page: starting from the top left panel, moving right, then down to the next row of panels, and continuing left to right again. Each page is made up of panels, individual images that are usually arranged sequentially to tell the story visually. This left-to-right, top-to-bottom approach is standard for comics originating from Western cultures.
Tips for Getting Comfortable Reading Manga
Getting used to the right-to-left flow of manga might take a little practice, but here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Look for Guidance: Many manga volumes include a page at the beginning with reading instructions. Check for these helpful diagrams if you’re unsure.
- Panel by Panel: Focus on reading one panel at a time, starting from the top right of the page and moving to the left. Then, move down to the next row and repeat the right-to-left process.
- Follow the Bubbles: Speech bubbles are also arranged right-to-left. Read the dialogue in the bubbles in that order to follow the conversation correctly.
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush! Especially when you’re starting out, reading manga might feel slower than reading Western comics. Give yourself time to adjust to the different flow.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more manga you read, the more natural the right-to-left reading direction will become. Soon, you’ll be flipping through pages like a pro!
Dive into the World of Manga!
Once you get the hang of reading manga, a whole universe of stories and art awaits you! Explore different genres, from action-packed adventures to heartwarming romances, and discover your favorite manga series. Happy reading!
