Prompt B

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, literacy is “The quality or state of being literate; knowledge of letters; condition in respect to education, esp. ability to read and write.” This definition seems to fit but I do not feel like it covers all the aspects of literacy. I believe literacy is not only being able to read, but actually reading. Reading many different genres and learning from each piece of reading, even if that something is very trivial. Literacy is when you read because you want to, because you get to escape for awhile. Literacy is writing outside of school, even just a personal history in a journal. Literacy is being able to critically analyze the world around you because of the things you have read and written. Literacy is being able to hold an intelligent conversation about the issues of the society in which you live. Maybe literacy could even be applied to the arts and being able to appreciate them. Listening to an orchestra, watching a Broadway play, or enjoying a painting. Literacy is an overall knowledge of the world around you and the beautiful things in it.

I am grateful for the basic definition of literacy given by the Oxford English Dictionary because it makes life that much more enjoyable. One morning I watched a talk show (I believe it was the Ellen Degeneres show) where one of the guests was a 75 year old man who had recently become literate. After 74 years in this world he decided it was time that he learned how to read and write. Previous to this he struggled on a daily basis to complete the tasks most of us do not think twice about. He talked about the hassle it was to go to the grocery store. I never realized how much reading is involved in going shopping. I look at the signs above the aisles to see where the item I am looking for is located. Rather than be embarrassed by asking for help, he would walk around the store until he found the item. He said some trips took him three hours to complete his shopping. There were so many things that we take for granted, I was amazed at his life. I am grateful that I know how to read and write so I can do these simple tasks without thinking twice about them. I am grateful for my deeper definition of literacy as well. I am grateful that I can enjoy reading a book. There is a comfort in snuggling up in your bed and getting lost in the pages of a book. I really believe that the arts give us a chance to escape from the realities and stresses of life. I am grateful that I can be informed about my surroundings and the issues that are present in our society. Being literate is an important part of being a productive member of society. It impacts the way we live our lives and the way that we view the world around us. I think literacy brings a new level to the routine of life.

519 words

Lilly Pyle