Literacy as Conversation
Learning Networks in Urban and Rural Communities
Published on 31. May 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
228 pages
978-0-8229-6698-2 (ISBN)
Description
In Literacy as Conversation, the authors tell stories of successful literacy learning outside of schools and inside communities, both within urban neighborhoods of Philadelphia and rural and semi-rural towns of Arkansas. They define literacy not as a basic skill but as a rich, broadly interactive human behavior: the ability to engage in a conversation carried on, framed by, or enriched through written symbols. Eli Goldblatt takes us to after-school literacy programs, community arts centers, and urban farms in the city of Philadelphia, while David Jolliffe explores learning in a Latinx youth theater troupe, a performance based on the words of men on death row, and long-term cooperation with a rural health care provider in Arkansas. As different as urban and rural settings can be-and as beset as they both are with the challenges of historical racism and economic discrimination-the authors see much to encourage both geographical communities to fight for positive change.
Reviews / Votes
Literacy as Conversation offers a deep dive into community literacy projects that work in both urban and rural areas. It advocates for more partners in shoring up the sagging corners of American communities in which literacy is badly needed, and it provides inspiration to those in search of ideas for their own neighborhoods. The book's approach encourages readers to understand community literacy first, then see it in action, then consider ways to adopt it in their won corners of the world. Indeed, Goldblatt and Jolliffe's reminder that 'literacy is action' is a powerful epitaph for change. * Teachers College Record * Literacy as Conversation is a genuine and important contribution to public discourse about literacy and the work literacy does in the world. Goldblatt and Joliffe offer a much-needed glimpse into how holistic, quality-of-life enhancing networks of literacy could transform communities for the better. Crucially, the authors go farther than most in bridging the divide between specialized academic audiences and more general audiences. -- Paul Feigenbaum, Florida International UniversityMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Pittsburgh PA
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 159 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
336 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8229-6698-2 (9780822966982)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Eli Goldblatt (Author)
Eli Goldblatt is Professor Emeritus of English at Temple University and former director of New City Writing, an institute focused on community-related literacy projects in North Philadelphia.
David A. Jolliffe (Author)
David Jolliffe is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Arkansas, where he was the initial occupant of the Brown Chair in English Literacy.
Eli Goldblatt is Professor Emeritus of English at Temple University and former director of New City Writing, an institute focused on community-related literacy projects in North Philadelphia.
David A. Jolliffe (Author)
David Jolliffe is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Arkansas, where he was the initial occupant of the Brown Chair in English Literacy.