Cultural Literacy and The Uncommon Reader

If you love all things English (as in, England) and anything that involves reading and writing, you must read  The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. At a mere 120 pages, it's actually a novella, and it is perhaps one of the most charming little books I have ever read. I borrowed a copy from the public library, but I simply must have a copy of my own. On the Christmas list it goes!

Despite its compact nature, I found the text to be a bit challenging because of Bennett's broad vocabulary and because of the setting and characters, namely England and the Queen of England. Bennett, being British, easily writes with intimate knowledge of the inner workings of England's monarchy. I found myself jotting down questions, looking up definitions (see the end of the post for two of my favorites), and Googling madly for information to clarify my confusion. For example, at one point, Bennett slipped in a reference to Nahlin and Mrs. Simpson.  I was already familiar with Wallis Simpson, having watched The King's Speech,  but I had no idea what Nahlin was or how Wallis Simpson was connected. Now I do. Essentially, I took the opportunity to broaden my cultural literacy.

Cultural literacy requires one to possess knowledge, both historical and contemporary, of different cultural groups as well as their own. People who purposefully cultivate their cultural literacy not only expand their minds, but they gain the ability to see issues from different points of view. They learn to understand, respect, and appreciate how the ideologies and customs of other cultures impact their own world. And, I find that they are just so darn interesting to talk to!

I have spent time in classrooms where students' academic curiosity, let alone their cultural curiosity, is severely lacking. This causes concern because in order for today's young students to morph into successful adults, they need cultural awareness. One of the best - and easiest - ways for them to gain this knowledge is by reading. We have to get engaging books, magazines, Internet articles, Tweets, cereal boxes, chip packaing (Takis, yum!) in front of these kiddos!

[Stepping off soap box]

As promised, here are two of my new favorite vocabulary words:

amanuensis - a literary assistant; secretary

opsimath - one who continues, or begins, to learn late in life

 

Aren't they beautiful? And fun to say, too!



Thanks for reading! It keeps your ...  Mind Full of Literacy