Past and Present of the Verbs to Read and to Write: Essays on Literacy

Past and Present of the Verbs to Read and to Write: Essays on Literacy
ISBN-10
0888995563
ISBN-13
9780888995568
Category
Education / Aims & Objectives
Pages
80
Language
English
Published
2003
Publisher
Douglas & McIntyre
Author
Emilia Ferreiro

Description

Every period and every historical circumstance has given new meaning to the verbs to read and to write. New technologies are introducing profound and rapid change in the ways in which we communicate and receive information. They require greater flexibility in the way we use written language. Whereas poor countries have not overcome illiteracy, rich countries are finding that a basic education does not guarantee the creation of fully functional readers. While some of us are fluent in the language of hypertext, email and the virtual pages of non-existent books, there are others who have not mastered newspapers, books or libraries. If democracy is incompatible with the illiteracy of its citizens, full democracy requires a deep ability to read beyond the deciphering of words. This ability is the right of children who will grow up as free citizens in a world where linguistic and cultural diversity are as important as biodiversity.

Emilia Ferrerio is one of the great thinkers in the Americas on these issues. Three of her most important lectures are presented in this book. Her views have changed the systems of education in her own country, Mexico, and have had a radical impact on education in Brazil.

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