Anthropology Short Response Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Anthropology Short Response Paper - Essay Example They point out there are many types of literacy, ranging from being able to sign one's name through to being able read contemporary literature. Ahearn adds both visual and cultural literacy to this broad definition as she argues that "Cultural literacy skills predispose people to read situations and texts in certain ways and constrain the types of interpretations they are likely to construct." (Ahearn: 46). Ahearn quotes Mike Baynham on the 'ideological' model of literacy, who states that literacy needs to be understood as a strategic, social practice which defines and confines the choices available to individuals within a particular society. Hence she evaluates the literacy of the Junigau in their own terms, at that moment in their development and history. We are shown the contrast between Sarita and Bir Bahadur's command of language particularly through Bir Bahadur's letters and the impact this has on their relationship as it develops. She examines the villagers' definition of romantic love through a variety of methods including letters, conversations and taped interviews.