As I began to delve into Barton & Hamilton's Local Literacies, I find myself thinking about a much deeper meaning of "literacy." "Literacy is primarily something people do; it is an activity, located in the space between thought and text" (Barton & Hamilton, 1998, p. 3). It is so interesting to see the different ways that ordinary people rely on and use literacy in everyday lives. So much of these literacy activities, we literate adults, take for granted.
This book has caused me to stop and analyze how much I use literacy in my own life, besides what I think of as more formalized reading and writing. Ironically, I never really thought of breaking down the different types of literacy we use in this world. Clearly different situations render different types of literacies. I don't talk the same at home as I do at work or when I am teaching. My use of "home literacy" is more relaxed, but often times I find myself modeling "proper literacy" examples to my own children. I definitely have a more formalized way of speaking, reading and writing while I am teaching or in class myself. ". . . literacies are coherent configurations of literacy practices; often these sets of practices are identifiable and named, as in academic literacy or work-place literacy, and they are associated with particular aspects of cultural life" (Barton & Hamilton, 1998, p. 9).
It amazes me how the definitions of what it means to be a good writer has changed since the beginning of the early nineteenth century. It seems that the focus was more on the proper writing utensil positions as opposed to the quality, creativity and content of the actual writing. I cannot imagine being hit for not properly holding my pen! (Boy if that doesn't stifle creativity and motivation, I don't know what would!!)
It is hard for me to imagine what life would be like without the ability to read or write. Yet I have students who have just that problem. These adult students are what I refer to as "excellent pretenders" who are able to fool the world into thinking they are perfectly literate adults functioning in a high tech. world. I am baffled as to how they write grocery lists, read recipes, fill out applications, read prescriptions, follow written medical instructions, help with children's homework, etc. usually without letting the rest of the world know their secrets. (Sometimes their own families have been fooled!)
Local Literacies is definitely providing a unique lens into viewing reading and writing in our everyday lives!
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I was also intrigued by Local Literacies and the profiles that were written by Barton & Hamilton. One particular statement that surprised me was that June, the third person profiled, had never been to the library. I began to wonder how many other residents of Lancaster, England, Cleveland, Ohio, or any other city were in this same position. In June's situation, this was clearly a choice, since she viewed literacy as a means to accomplish her everyday tasks, the "home literacies", not as something she particularly enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteI surmise that many adults may want to expand their knowledge and use the local resources that the library can offer. However, I wonder if some adults are hesitant due to their lack of literacy skills? Has this conversation ever arisen in your work with adult learners, Julie? I can certainly see how some adults may have difficulties navigating the layout of the library and the methods needed to search and retrieve materials. Since numerous adults seem to hide their literacy difficulties, they may be apprehensive to ask for assistance from librarians, media specialists, or other patrons. I would be interested in hearing any thoughts from those who have taught adult learners and literacy classes.