I appreciate the fact that the young Sudanese refugees expressed a desire to become literate in their “local languages”. They deeply value their culture and want to preserve their heritage. That’s greatly admirable. Throughout the article, Perry writes of the importance of storytelling to family and community. The three refugees spoke of the role of storytelling in their homeland. In Sudan, storytelling seemed to serve the purpose of connecting generations and preserving history. A great deal of time was allotted to this communication every day. It saddened me to read about how greatly our daily schedules differ. One of the refugees stated, ‘There it’s different, of course, people sit together and tell stories.’ Although we as Americans are very busy working every day, we need to have time to share. In fact, I believe our children would be much better equipped if they were provided ample opportunities to communicate across generations. Before we can expect children to write, we must share stories with them and give them time to share orally as well.
Much of the refugees’ writings stemmed from their own personal experiences. They used stories “to educate the wider world about the situation in Sudan and about their experiences as refugees.” In addition, Francis also wrote fictional stories. While I believe most Americans enjoy storytelling, the biggest hindrance to this pastime is most likely lack of time. That’s one reason why literacy is so important in American culture. Today, the refugees use literacy to “call others to act.” For them, the transformation of storytelling has largely taken place because of their audience. In America, they are not only communicating with others in a small community, but with the ‘outside world’.
Holly Lawson
Comments (3)
Holly, I was also impressed with the Sudanese men's desire to learn their native written language. They were committed to their identity as Sudanese men and made the effort to accomplish both the local language of their new home and to perserve the cultural identity from their native land. I think their insight to the importance of education helped these men realize the value of language when it enabled them to reach a wider audience that could help with the difficulties in Sudan. I would like to find ways to help my students understand that literacy is empowering.
Posted by Michelle Carlson | June 16, 2011 9:35 PM
Posted on June 16, 2011 21:35
I agree that Americans often lack the time or effort to allot the time needed for communication and sharing. However, I feel that at some point, Americans use to have similar "community" sharing...it has had to change form with the passing of time and the advancements in technology and other areas. For example, to Americans, our communities are often smaller in the form of our families, and many families (some still do!)use to share their "stories" for the day with each other while sitting around the dining table in each other's company and eating the evening's dinner. However, because many families have demanding schedules where "Little Suzie" has to be at dance right after soccer practice and Bobbie has to go to his baseball game at the same time, families often lose this "sitting down and sharing experience." So we find other means, which now exist in blogs and Facebook posts. These are ways that the modern American society tells their stories, and who doesn't love to hear a story, especially when it's juicy! :)
Posted by Melissa Riley | June 17, 2011 4:39 PM
Posted on June 17, 2011 16:39
I am glad you pulled the quote about literacy calling others to act! In some of the most challenging areas of the world, where basic life is filled with turmoil, war, and poverty, people still want and need literacy! Every time I read this article I am reminded of the work that Freire did with illiterate peasants in Brazil, and how their lives were changed.
Posted by Dr. Jackson | June 20, 2011 10:19 AM
Posted on June 20, 2011 10:19