Friday, March 05, 2010

Council teaches ‘survival English’ to give immigrants a life-boost

These immigrants are being taught basic functional literacy. Once they have the basic skills, they can learn more complicated literacy, but this will help them be successful here. - - Donna Poisl

By Irfan Shariff, Northwest Asian Weekly

“When you don’t know the right word, you’re going to keep your mouth shut,” said Sharon Victor, president of the Literacy Council of Seattle. In its 40th year, the Literary Council aims to “teach adults the English skills they need to be successful in their job, families, and the community,” according to its mission statement.

“We deal mostly with ‘survival English’ so people can be self-reliant and communicate with others about civic issues,” said Victor.

According to Victor, nearly half of the Literacy Council’s curriculum focuses on survival or functional literacy. They go over things like how to pass citizenship exams, run one’s personal life, or communicate with teachers, doctors, postmen, or agencies. She feels that by engaging in these everyday things, people will know that they have rights.
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