Endemic Illiteracy

Summary

The video script addresses the startling reality of functional illiteracy among adults in the US, UK, and Germany, affecting millions and hindering societal progress. It explores the evolving definition of literacy, emphasizing 'functional literacy' as a key to modern life. The script delves into the economic and health implications of illiteracy, linking it to poverty and suggesting that improving literacy could boost economies. It also touches on the challenges faced by low-income families in fostering literacy, highlighting the need for systemic change to break the cycle of illiteracy.

Takeaways

• 📊 In the US, 21% of adults are functionally illiterate, equating to 43 million people.
• 📚 In the UK, 16% of adults are functionally illiterate, while in Germany, the figure is 14%.
• 🔍 The definition of literacy has evolved over time and varies by country, influenced by cultural contexts.
• 🏫 Historically, literacy was defined by basic letter and word recognition, but now it includes the ability to understand and use complex texts.
• 🌐 Functional literacy is a term used to describe the ability to read and write at a level sufficient to participate in society.
• 📈 The OECD's PIAAC assessment measures adult literacy across 40 countries, classifying it into five levels.
• 📉 Low literacy levels are linked to difficulties in understanding health information, which can lead to higher healthcare costs.
• 💼 Higher literacy rates are associated with better employment opportunities, reduced poverty, improved health, and lower crime rates.
• 🔗 Illiteracy and poverty are closely linked, with children from low-income families often starting school with lower literacy skills.
• 🏛️ Political incentives may not align with long-term educational improvements, as politicians may not see immediate benefits.
• 📖 The script concludes with a reminder that individuals with reading or writing difficulties should not feel ashamed, and resources are available to help.

Q & A

What percentage of American adults are functionally illiterate according to the script?

21% of American adults are functionally illiterate.

How many people does this percentage represent in the United States?

This represents 43 million people.

What is the percentage of functionally illiterate adults in the UK?

16% of adults in the UK are functionally illiterate.

What does the term 'functional literacy' mean?

Functional literacy refers to the ability to read and write at a level sufficient to perform basic tasks in modern society.

How has the definition of literacy evolved over time?

The definition of literacy has evolved from simply recognizing letters and words to understanding the context and being able to read and write within specific cultural contexts.

What is the OECD's PIAAC assessment and how does it measure adult literacy?

The OECD's PIAAC (Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies) is an assessment that gathers data about adult cognitive skills, like literacy, in 40 different countries and classifies adult literacy into five different levels.

What are the five levels of literacy as defined by the PIAAC and adapted by the US Department of Education?

Adults who score at level 3 are considered fully literate, those who score below level 3 are considered at least partially illiterate, and those who score a level 1 are considered functionally illiterate.

How does low literacy impact health care costs according to the American Journal of Public Health?

Low literacy is linked to difficulty understanding health information and instructions, which can lead to complications in diagnosis or treatment, resulting in an additional $232 billion in health care costs each year.

What is the connection between literacy and poverty as discussed in the script?

Illiteracy and poverty are inextricably linked, with a higher percentage of adults living in poverty having low literacy levels, and children in low-income families having reduced access to reading materials and being read to.

Why does the problem of illiteracy persist despite its negative impact on society?

The problem persists because improving literacy is a long-term effort with benefits that may not be realized for decades, which does not align with the short-term focus of political cycles and immediate gains.

What is the role of parent involvement in children's literacy development as mentioned in the script?

Parent involvement, such as reading to children and providing access to books at home, plays a crucial role in children's future literacy skills, which can be challenging for families struggling with poverty and limited literacy skills.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Functional Illiteracy: A Global Issue

This paragraph introduces the startling statistic that millions of adults in countries like the USA, UK, and Germany are functionally illiterate. The video aims to clarify what functional illiteracy means and why it's a concern. It discusses the evolution of literacy definitions over time, emphasizing that literacy is not just about basic reading and writing but also about understanding and applying information in a cultural context. The paragraph also touches on the concept of 'functional literacy' and how it varies across different societies and the implications it has for an individual's ability to thrive in modern society.

05:01

🔍 Measuring Literacy: The PIAAC Assessment

This section delves into the complexities of measuring literacy, particularly through the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). It explains how adult literacy is categorized into five levels, with level 3 being the threshold for full literacy. The paragraph discusses the implications of low literacy levels, such as difficulties in understanding health information and the associated economic burden. It also highlights the potential economic benefits of improved literacy, suggesting that if all US adults reached at least level 3 literacy, it could add significantly to the economy. The paragraph concludes by addressing the persistent issue of illiteracy and its ties to poverty, suggesting that political and social factors play a role in its endurance.

10:03

🌐 Addressing Illiteracy: Challenges and Solutions

The final paragraph addresses the multifaceted challenge of illiteracy, emphasizing the link between poverty and low literacy levels. It discusses how children's literacy skills are influenced by factors such as being read to at home and access to books, which can be limited in low-income families. The paragraph also points out the 'summer slide' phenomenon, where children from low-income households tend to lose reading skills over summer breaks. It suggests that improving literacy is not just about individual effort but also requires addressing systemic issues. The paragraph ends on a hopeful note, encouraging those who struggle with reading not to feel ashamed and providing resources for adult literacy improvement.

Keywords

💡Functional illiteracy

Functional illiteracy refers to the inability of an individual to perform basic reading tasks that are necessary to manage daily living and work in society. In the video, it is mentioned that 21% of American adults and 16% of UK adults are functionally illiterate, highlighting a significant societal issue. The term is used to discuss the impact of illiteracy on individuals' ability to prosper in modern society.

💡Literacy

Literacy is the ability to read, understand, and interpret written materials. The video discusses how the definition of literacy has evolved over time, from simple recognition of letters and words to a more complex understanding that includes cultural contexts. It is central to the video's theme as it explores the implications of varying levels of literacy on individuals and society.

💡Cultural contexts

Cultural contexts are the social and cultural environments in which literacy is learned and practiced. The video explains that the definition of literacy cannot be separated from specific cultural contexts, suggesting that what constitutes literacy can vary widely across different societies and cultures. This concept is crucial for understanding the diverse manifestations of literacy and illiteracy globally.

💡Education reform

Education reform refers to changes made to the education system with the aim of improving its effectiveness. The script mentions that America's schools are on a new path of reform, indicating a recognition of the need to modernize and improve educational outcomes. This keyword is integral to the video's discussion on addressing the issue of illiteracy through systemic changes.

💡Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC)

PIAAC is an assessment developed by the OECD to gather data about adult cognitive skills, including literacy, in 40 different countries. The video uses PIAAC data to illustrate the prevalence of functional illiteracy and to compare literacy levels across nations. This assessment is a key tool in understanding the scope of the literacy problem internationally.

💡Health literacy

Health literacy is the ability to read, understand, and act upon health information. The video links low literacy with difficulty understanding health information and instructions, which can lead to complications in patient diagnosis or treatment. Health literacy is an important aspect of overall literacy as it directly impacts individuals' health outcomes.

💡Economic impact

The economic impact refers to the influence of literacy levels on a country's economy. The video suggests that if all U.S. adults had at least level 3 literacy skills, it could add $2.2 trillion to the economy. This keyword highlights the significant economic consequences of illiteracy and the potential benefits of improving literacy rates.

💡Poverty

Poverty is the state of being extremely poor. The video discusses the link between illiteracy and poverty, noting that children living in poverty are more likely to have low literacy levels. This keyword is central to understanding the video's message about the multi-generational cycle of illiteracy and its societal implications.

💡Summer learning loss

Summer learning loss refers to the decline in academic skills that occurs during long breaks from school, like summer vacation. The video mentions that children from low-income families tend to lose reading skills over summer break, while their wealthier counterparts make gains. This concept is used to illustrate the widening gap in literacy skills between different socioeconomic groups.

💡Political capital

Political capital refers to the influence and support a politician has within their political sphere. The video suggests that improving education requires investment of time, money, and political capital, but the rewards may not be seen by the same politicians who invest in it due to the long-term nature of educational outcomes. This keyword is used to discuss the challenges and incentives related to educational reform.

💡Stigma

Stigma refers to a mark of disgrace or dishonor associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. The video encourages individuals with reading or writing difficulties not to feel ashamed, acknowledging the stigma that can be associated with illiteracy. This keyword is important for understanding the social and emotional aspects of the literacy issue.

Highlights

21% of American adults are functionally illiterate, equating to 43 million people.

In the UK, 16% of adults are functionally illiterate.

In Germany, 14% of adults are functionally illiterate.

The video discusses the meaning and implications of functional illiteracy.

The concept of literacy has evolved over time and varies by culture.

Functional literacy refers to the ability to read and write at a level necessary for everyday life.

Literacy is now seen as an adaptation that can vary in importance based on one's environment.

The OECD's PIAAC assesses adult cognitive skills like literacy across 40 countries.

Adult literacy is classified into five levels, with level 3 being considered fully literate.

Low literacy is linked to difficulties in understanding health information and instructions.

Higher literacy is associated with better employment, reduced poverty, better health, and less crime.

If all US adults had at least level 3 literacy, it could add $2.2 trillion to the economy.

Illiteracy and poverty are deeply connected, with 22% of US children living in poverty.

Children in low-income families hear fewer unique words per day compared to wealthier families.

Children from low-income households often lose reading skills over summer breaks.

Improving literacy is a long-term investment with potential for significant economic benefits.

The persistence of illiteracy is linked to the short-term focus of politics versus the long-term nature of education.

The video encourages those with reading or writing difficulties not to feel ashamed, offering resources for improvement.

Transcripts

here is a little snapshot of the bizarre

times in which we find ourselves

21 of american adults are functionally

illiterate

that means 43 million people

in the uk 16 of adults are functionally

illiterate

in germany it's 14

this video explains what that means and

why that might be

with me

some guy

this is the universal cure this is the

swiss army knife as of this hour

america's schools will be on a new path

of reform

and modernize at least 35 000 schools

yet for too long countless american

children

have been trapped

in failing government schools ask me my

three main priorities for government

and i tell you

education education and education

as i've set out today

[Music]

as ever the definition of literacy and

exactly what it means to be illiterate

has changed through time and depends on

nation

because why would anything be easy

everyone who knows you thinks you're

rude prior to 1950 you were literate if

you were able to recognize letters and

words

then in the 1950s the concept of

literacy began to change as researchers

in various fields like anthropological

linguistics and education studies began

to converge on the conclusion that

literacy cannot be defined outside of

specific cultural contexts

in some cultures drawing a picture could

be understood as writing

ultimately the ability to read and write

is a human adaptation

and that adaptation may be more or less

important in terms of survival depending

on where and when you live

a farmer in a developing nation who can

only read and write a single sentence

might well be considered literate in

their culture

because that is the level of reading and

writing that is needed to survive

this led to the introduction of the term

functional literacy

a sort of common sense term meaning that

sure if you can recognize letters and

some words you're not technically

entirely illiterate

but being unable to understand most

sentences presents the same size of

barrier to prospering in modern society

a b c d e f

today the definition of literacy is

still defined differently in different

countries

for example in greece literacy is

defined as having completed six years of

primary education

but research shows that measuring

literacy in terms of the number of

school years completed isn't an accurate

tool for a variety of reasons

if you want a good example of this

a study found that in germany 12 of

those who had completed a higher level

of education

are functionally illiterate

owning a car doesn't mean you know how

to drive a car

i quipped in 2021

no doubt exasperated by the conflict of

sneezy woozy brevi hardy

it was estimated 200 000 children in the

uk would leave primary school unable to

read

but that's nothing new

in 2015 it was estimated that 20 percent

of primary school leavers were

functionally illiterate and innumerate

something like a hundred and sixty

thousand in 2012 the organization for

economic cooperation and development the

oecd

developed an assessment called the

program for the international assessment

of adult competencies

or the piaac

which gathers data about adult cognitive

skills

like literacy in 40 different countries

the assessment classifies adult literacy

into five different levels

these levels were then adapted by the us

department of education as a tool for

measuring literacy

a very similar tool but not the same

interestingly the department of

education measures overall literacy in

five levels but in 2013 the agency

combined level four and five for the

first time because there were so few

people about two percent who were at

level five of course just when you

thought are you literate is a simple

question synonymous with can you read

it gets more complicated

i'm half expecting bill clinton to pop

up and say it depends what the

definition of wanking is

adults who score at level 3 are

considered fully literate adults who

score below level 3 are considered at

least partially illiterate

those who score a level 1 are considered

functionally illiterate

if you were to conjure an individual

embodiment of the national average

perhaps using some sort of enormous

industrial mincing machine that

individual whether they are from the usa

germany the uk

korea or many other places

would not have the reading skills to

draw low-level inferences

they may have trouble identifying

pertinent information or discerning what

is and what is not relevant

you can see here the averages of the

piaac scale

that doesn't mean the spread of reading

skills is the same for these similarly

scoring countries but the mean is

there are many adults with both reading

and numeracy skills below this

japan comes out on top in the piaac

tables for both literacy and numeracy

less than ten percent of japanese adults

score level one or below in literacy

but still

that seems like quite a lot

this doesn't just matter because people

are missing out on the poetry of william

mcgonagall

studies have linked low literacy with

difficulty understanding health

information and instructions

which can complicate a patient's

diagnosis or treatment

the american journal of public health

says that the inability to read and

understand health information

accounts for 232 billion dollars in

extra health care costs each year

higher literacy is linked to better

employment reduced poverty better health

and reduced crime

according to the barbara bush foundation

if the adult population of the u.s all

had at least level 3 literacy skills

2.2 trillion dollars would be added to

the economy

so why is it like this

it doesn't seem especially shocking

that illiteracy and poverty

are inextricably linked

22 percent of children in the us live in

poverty

43 percent of adults living in poverty

have low literacy levels

one of the most important factors to

children's future literacy skills is

being read to by a parent or having

access to books at home

that's not easy if parents are spending

their waking hours working and

recovering from working

or if they can't really read themselves

research has shown that children in

low-income families hear fewer unique

words per day compared to children from

wealthy families

the most famous study on this

from the early nineties

found that by age three poor children

hear on average thirty million fewer

words than wealthier children

researchers say that about eighty

percent of children in low-income

households lose reading skills over

summer break

while children in high-income households

make gains in reading skills over the

same period

you can see how this can become a

multi-generational cycle

not least because problems reading can

be deeply embarrassing

as can the feeling of being behind and

unable to catch up

so if improving the reading and writing

skills of a huge number of people would

both make their lives better

and be an economic benefit

why does the problem persist

well

in my opinion to answer that you have to

think like a politician

sure you could spend time and money and

political capital making education

better

but even if that works out you're not

going to reap the rewards for 20 years

you probably won't be in politics by

then probably not here at least

why bother then

education is a long game

politics is not

magic magic e i'd like to end by saying

that if you have problems reading or

writing you shouldn't feel ashamed it's

not your fault

there are links to adult literacy

resources in the description

and to get you really excited about

reading

because i know you've all been wanting

this

i will now read a poem

hark the wind blows darkly from the

eastern window

a poem by george rocco schmidt

hi