The Literacy Problem

According to David Crystal’s Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language, literacy is a problem which is faced not only by the underdeveloped nations but also by many people in English-speaking countries. It is often difficult to estimate the exact number of illiterate people. The problem has to do with how we define the concept of  “illiteracy”. Thus, according to some surveys, in the UK 3-4 per cent of the population is illiterate. But other surveys suggest twice this number. In Canada estimates are 5-20 per cent; in the USA 10-20 per cent.

            Literacy is a long-lasting process which includes gradually increasing levels and domains of abilities. I think there are cases when it is difficult to say whether the person is literate or not. For example, he might be able to read and write but unable to spell; or he can be good at reading bur unable to write. There are also cases when a person can read only certain types of texts. So, we can see that illiteracy is not a single dimension of difficulty, but there can be many other possibilities within each level.

According to the definition of UNESCO in 1951, “A person is literate who can, with understanding, both read and write a short, simple statement on his everyday life”. This definition is appropriate when we mean absolute literacy.

However, in 1960 the concept of ‘functional’ literacy was used to estimate the problem.

Accordingly, we find the following definition: ‘A person is literate when he has acquired the essential knowledge and skills which enable him to engage in all those activities in which literacy is required for effective functioning in his group and community”.

            I greatly support the second definition, as I think the level of a person’s literacy greatly depends on the community or group he is functioning in. In some groups the person may be considered very literate, but in another group, with higher level of literacy, the same person may be considered as illiterate. In my opinion, if a person is capable of using his knowledge and skills to satisfy his needs in a certain community, he can be considered literate.

             Very often it can be very difficult for illiterate or semi-literate person reach the acceptable level of literacy in a particular country. The reason is that in developed countries the standards of literacy are higher. I think, countries should organize various literacy campaigns in order to be able to satisfy their requirements and raise public awareness.