Post 9

A literacy event is the examination of the relationship between spoken and written language within modern day society, it is defined by Heath, “a conceptual tool useful in examining within particular communities of modern society the actual forms and functions of oral and literate traditions and co-existing relationships between spoken and written language.” An example would be a presentation given using handouts and oral communication. There is a clear relationship to what is read and what is heard. 


This is considered necessary in Sherman Alexi's narrative because oral communication is the only way to pass down stories to younger generations. The kids did not go to school and were considered unintelligent, but in reality could tell elaborate, detailed stories and could sing many songs all from memory. This was the common practice in the tribe. Alexi himself is a good example of a literacy event learner, as he taught himself how to read by reading comic books. He associates the words with the actions and is able to put two and two together. This idea is similar to product identification. The kids who couldn't read were able to read content labels of foods and items at the store with what they associated the word with.