Why literacy is so important
You may ask:
“Why is literacy so important? How does it affect me?”
Well, then please consider the following:
Gewunscht: Koch
Gute Bezahlung - Nutzen
Stunden: 8 am - 3 pm
Anruf: 429-3610
If you can't read German then the above Want Ad is just groups of letters without meaning... incomprehensible. The following is the same ad in English which is just as incomprehensible to a non-reader of English.
Wanted: Cook
Good Pay - Benefits
Hours: 8 am - 3 pm
Call: 429-3610
Now put yourself in the place of an English Language Learner. Imagine the frustration of not being able to read a simple want ad like the one above; or even how dangerous it is to not be able to read the directions on a prescription bottle!
For more information on literacy issues nationally and locally, visit the Florida Literacy Coalition, ProLiteracy, Volunteers for Adult LIteracy in Florida (VALF) and the Verizon ThinkFinity Literacy Network web sites.