When we think of adult literacy, we normally think of those individuals who either failed to learn how to read at all or are functionally illiterate.

Beyond a doubt, these people’s lives are short-changed by the fact that they cannot read. As the German thinker Wittgenstein put it, “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” The world of the illiterate adult is incredibly limited and recent brain studies suggest that illiteracy impairs the development of other brain functions, as well.

But, what about the role of adult literacy beyond mere functionality?

What are the reading habits of those of us who can read? Just because we can read, does it mean that we do, and at what level? Do we challenge ourselves to stretch the limits of our reading beyond our own confines?

Reading in general makes life easier, but reading literature contributes to a fuller understanding of life. Through novels and plays we can get an understanding of people, experiences and complex issues outside our normal frame of reference. Unless we are unusual individuals, our worlds are limited by physical and financial boundaries, but the interior life of the mind is limitless. The written word takes us out into the world of the “other” where unique adventures and fantastic characters fuel our imaginations and build our empathy for others’ experiences. It also gives us paradigms for living life and a foil by which to gauge our own response to certain dilemmas.

We should also not limit ourselves to one particular genre of literature, but rather we should read broadly and challenge ourselves with difficult material. Seeing the movie version of a complex novel is not enough, either. Spoken text normally contains 6,000 words, whereas the written text would have 9,000 or more words with which to interact, gaining deeper meaning and insight not always evoked in a movie version that has been filtered for us in the director’s mind. Reading forces us to come to terms with what we think, rather than with what the screenwriter or director thinks.

Reading broadly and deeply can also prevent us from being fooled, hoodwinked and cajoled by others, whether politicians, news media, advertisers, or radicals on the left or right wings.

Novels, essays, memoirs, histories, religious texts or travel journals can all increase our awareness of the human condition and our part in it. In short, reading can bring us to some kernel of truth, whether found in a Louis L’Amour or a Marcel Proust novel, but reading both would give us a more complete perspective.

For a place to start, why not try googling your favorite author’s reading list. For instance, Louis L’Amour was a fan of Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London and Edgar Rice Burroughs. We are all familiar with Oprah’s reading list and her attempt to increase adult literacy. Gandhi’s erudite and diverse reading list is there. Google a reading list at Muskogee Public Library.

For information about any of our literacy services, Adult Basic Education, ESL, citizenship, or if you are interested in being a tutor for the literacy department, please contact Penny Chastain, adult literacy coordinator, 682-6657.