The ancient Greek and Roman civilisations boasted numerous writers, poets and historians, who left us an impressive intellectual heritage. But were common people literate as well in classical times, or were they relying on a body of professional scribes? After a brief explanation about the role of orality and the meaning of literacy in ancient times, the essay will examine some possible evidences of literacy from the ‘epigraphic habit’ in classical antiquity – as epistolary exchanges (Vindolanda Tablets), inscriptions on artefacts (ostraka, lady’s shoe from Vindolanda, the ‘Nestor Cup’), epitaphs and dedications on monuments (the Pantheon in Rome, the tomb of Eurysaces the Bakker) and several graffiti. It will be shown that some elements, depending on their interpretation, might substantiate the claim that most people were illiterate and relying on professional scribes – but other elements strongly confirm a widespread basic level of literacy. The essay will finally argue that, beyond the literate wealthy elite, there was a large part of the population that was semi-literate, able to interact with writings to some extent.
Literacy is basically defined as ‘the ability to read and write’ (Colins, 2003). In classical times, there was obviously an educated elite using writing to a large extent, for communication, political and artistic purposes: numerous works of high literary quality are part of our classical heritage. However, this does not imply that literacy was common among the population: a small group of scribes could be sufficient to serve the needs of an ancient society. For sure, lay people did not master writing to the level of famous ancient authors, but might have been literate to a certain extent. Therefore, it is better...
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... or craftsmen’s marks on products indicate that common people had some reading knowledge. Moreover, graffiti were quite common: for instance, the slogans written on the walls in Rome, according to Plutarch, in support of Tiberius Gracchus and his social reforms were certainly not written by the wealthy elite. Finally, epistolary exchanges, as Claudia Severa’s invitation to her birthday (among Vindolanda Tablets) confirm that a relative important part of the population was able to read and write missives – even if they might have relied on scribes for long texts. Therefore, the essay reached the conclusion that there was a continuum of literacy levels, with individuals only able to write their names, slow writers and real literate people. It can thus be said that, besides the social elite, a significant part of the population had a basic level of functional literacy.
Finding a definition of literacy is not as easy as it sounds. The Webster definition says that to be literate is to be” able to read and write.” But to some researchers, this definition is too simplistic, leading to multiple models of literacy. Most Americans adhere to the autonomous model, which falls closest to the standard, dictionary definition. Believers in this form say that literacy is a cognitive activity that students learn like any other basic skill. It has a set of proficiencies that one must master in order to be capable of decoding and encoding text (Alvermann, 2009; SIL International, 1999). A competing theory is the ideological model, which claims literacy is intrinsically linked to culture, and therefore what constitutes a “literate” individual is ever-changing. Society is the largest influence on literacy, according to this thought, and it is affected by politics, religion, philosophy and more (Alvermann, 2009; SIL International, 1999). These two are just the tip of the iceberg. For example, some studies recognize “literacy as competence,” which is a “measure of competence to do a given task or work in a given field,” (SIL International, 1999) such as being computer literate. Although more researchers are recognizing and exploring multiple literacies, the one that most influences American schools is the autonomous, cognitive model – the ability to read and write. For many, it seems a simple task, but millions of adolescents are struggling or reluctant readers, and there are many reasons why young readers have difficulty with reading. XXXXXX------NEED HELP WITH THESIS STATEMENT HERE PLEASE—(This paper will focus on the effects of low reading skills, some of the possible causes of reluctant and struggling readership...
Writing is one of the many factors which can lead to an unequal world. Writing was “One of the most important inventions in human history” (Prososki, “Writing”). It was believed to come from the Fertile Crescent called Sumer around 5,000 years ago. Over the years, writing has advanced as people created writing and printing systems, which were able to reach
Pliny the Elder. [Natural History 9.39.77. As The Romans Did 2nd ed.] ed. Jo-Ann Shelton. (New
Livy assumed that by making history enjoyable to read, he would be able to provide the correct type of “medicine” to a sick community (30). Writing the history of Rome, from beginning to his present time, Livy presented an evolution of Rome and her values. Livy’s presentation of history gave readers the opportunity to find the error in their ways, and revert to the old approach to tradition. Because “human nature remains the same” throughout the evolution of civilization, “it is reasonable to expect that history” repeats itself (Ogilvie 9). With the study of history, the reader is able to understand what has happened and what its effects are. Understanding the past allows oneself to better prepare for the
The need for writing in Uruk was drastically different than that of the Egyptians, however. As evidenced at the archaeological site of Hierakonpolis, the Egyptian sy...
With the lack of written language at the time, art and speech was the best way to communicate and share ideas in ancient Rome and Greece. Mosaics, fresco, wall and vase paintings, especially in the house of nobles, was a regularity in homes. The constant purchase of art could be accredited to the people love of the gods. This is a perfect example of how language was so important to the growth of ancient civilizations such as Greece. Do to the lasting poverty in this culture; intrinsic pictorial art wasn’t something seen everyday by all. Many of those less fortune relied on language to pass traditions, educating the young. In regards to entertainment, style played an important role in attracting the eyes of
Tacitus. The Annals of Tacitus. Edited and annotated by Henry Furneaux. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1907.
Humans have been using written language to communicate ideas with one another since as early as 3200 BCE in Mesopotamia. Since then, every great civilization has had a written language, each with its own unique characteristics. However, it was the writin...
Being literate does not only mean that you understand to read and write. I believe that it’s a way you take advantage of what is given to you. Having the power to understand and acknowledge what is being said and read gives and great advantage of literacy. Graduating with honors from my senior class has given me greater self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment .Now being literate has given me great opportunities such as coming to college and given hope that we can do anything in this world
One of the great difficulties in teaching ancient languages like Latin is the general lack of a spoken component. Whereas modern language students can reinforce the grammatical material they learn in a book through oral drills and conversational practice, students of Latin are faced with the prospect of studying a complex, inflected language entirely through the written word. While students still manage to learn the grammar and vocabulary, they often lack an appreciation for Latin as a living, breathing means of communication. A sensitivity to the oral aspect of the language not only reinforces material learned through traditional means, but also opens a window into the sublime quality of Latin which can serve as motivation for further study.
Ziolkowski, Eric. "Ancient Newcomer to Modern Culture." World Literature Today 81.5 (2007): 55-57. Web. 19 Feb. 2014. .
Literacy embraces reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Integrating all of these into a literacy program is key. Teachers must provide endless and ongoing opportunities for their student to read, write, listen, and speak.
Although both Roman and Greek civilizations shared similarities in the areas of art and literature, their differences were many and prominent. Their contrasting aspects rest mainly upon political systems and engineering progress, but there are also several small discrepancies that distinguish between these two societies. This essay will examine these differences and explain why, ultimately, Rome was the more advanced civilization of the two.
The purpose of this essay is to intricately elaborate on the culture of the Romans, along with its similarities and discrepancies, or uniqueness, in relation to Ancient Greek culture. This is achieved by providing background to both Roman and Greek culture, analyzing how Rome technically purloined Greek culture, describing how unique Roman culture is, and explaining its long lasting impact on today's society.
Literary works continue to be recorded thousands of years after the initial writings of the ancient world. Up until the last hundred years, this consisted strictly of works that were recorded by an author and then made available to the masses. The invention of the printing press greatly increased the availability of literature. No longer were books required to be hand copied and c...