Folklore and Culture as Literacy Resources for National Emancipation

Abstract

Literacy counts a lot for development and progress. Efficient literacy induces and sustains good governance. Hence, all nations strive to attain balanced literacy. However any literacy programme that ignores the context of operation is not likely to be very successful. This paper canvasses that folklore and culture are essential ingredients for revitalizing literacy for national emancipation. Introduction For decades, the world has made bold steps to produce more of literate citizens. Indeed, the Teheran conference of the 1960's (UNESCO, 1965) popularized literacy into a world agendum, and since then, nations after nations have made declarations (polices) on it. The world's commitment to literacy explains the role the ability to read, write and use numbers communicatively plays in the life of man. It improves family living, enhances rights awareness, and promotes international understanding. It also rekindles man's intellect, sensitizing him to his cultural milieu and enabling him to respect other peoples' cultures. Literacy oils the vehicle that globalization rides. However, in spite of the foregoing and other advantages of literacy, majority of the world have remained stark literates.