Cultural Literacy
Cultural literacy was a foreign concept to me until a few weeks ago. I never stopped to think that boundaries and standards could carry over between different cultures. I’ve noticed before at times that others are learning English and are not yet fluent in their literary skills, but never really stopped to think that to them I am illiterate. I feel as though recently I've started to see a new perspective on things. It's not that I ever thought anything less of anyone because they were illiterate in our cultures; it's just that I never stopped to look at their perspective. I've never really dealt with people coming in to America not being able to read. Infact, the only people I've know who come here are foreign exchange students, and with the exception of English Grammar and Comp. classes they seem to have a better understanding of the concepts of all classes, sadly even American Government:( Anyhow, I feel like the readings have made me open my eyes to a broader picture that helps me have a better understanding of the world. When I was volunteering the other day, I noticed this first hand. The women were taking a test and they had a few hours for it, but I looked through it in about 5 minutes. These women are very intelligent, there was just the whole I’m just learning English thing not working in their favor. The teacher gave me a sheet to read that had everything written backwards. It was talking about torgs, perhaps you’re familiar with it. The teacher told me it was similar to trying to read a new language. CONFUSING AND VAGUE! I think we should help others to understand cultural literacy so they aren’t quite as naive as I was.
Comments
I know exactly what you mean. I never really stopped to think that people don't know english or are illiterate, but they are trying. I finally realized this last Thursday. I went to do my service learning and I got there a few minutes early so there was only one woman there. She was trying to learn how to speak english and she asked for my help. I sat down and did my best to help her. We spent about five minutes on Hi and Hello, but when she finally got it, it was amazing. When she left she thanked me and she asked me if I could be there the same time next week. After that I realized how grateful people are for help and how hard immigrants try to learn english. After that experience I realized what these articles were about.
Posted by: Devon Sinclair | October 1, 2006 2:48 PM
Wow, I totally agree with you on how rewarding it can be. It seems to us so significant to take a few minutes of our time, but to those we help it makes a world of difference. It was inspiring to see some of the older women learning to read. You may be wondering why I chose the older women in particular, but in their culture it will be highly unlikely that they will be expected to contribute financially to the family. They won't need a job and therefore will never be required to take any proficiency tests. They chose to learn English because it adds to their experience as an American. That is something I, along with many others who I can't and shouldn't speak for, take for granted to a certain extent. I am always and forever grateful to be an American, but when you see how much a refugee is willing to work to be just like us.... I can't even explain the feeling
Posted by: Chanda Alseth | October 1, 2006 3:05 PM