Shamoun 1

Luke Shamoun

Ms. Gonzalez

ENC1101-23

28 August 2023

Reading Response 1

In the modern era, literacy skills are vital to ensure personal success. With the

progression of technology and advances in the workplace, it is almost impossible to thrive or

even survive without some level of literacy. The articles “Heritage Literacy” and “Sponsors of

Literacy” discuss different perspectives of literacy. Although the authors have different views on

the teaching and learning of literacy, they both agree that it is one of the most important skills in

the modern world.

In the first article, “Heritage Literacy”, the writer emphasizes the impact of cultural

values and traditions on a person's literacy skills. Rumsey argues that literacy is determined by

generational influences, making it the family's responsibility to pass on the skills to succeed in

the modern world. She also believes that culture plays a large role in valuing literacy practices.

Deborah Brandt wrote “Sponsors of Literacy” with different viewpoints of the topic. She

argues that literacy is determined by social and economic factors rather than cultural factors. She

believes that it is easier to be literate when you have resources such as education and money.

One’s teachers, parents, peers, and even the media play a role in shaping their development.

Both of these writers have very valuable views that they reinforce with relevant evidence.

Many people will see the influence of both cultural factors and social factors in their

development. For example, my parents always read stories to me as a child which made me love

reading before going to school where my teachers taught me how to write stories and papers of
 Shamoun 2

my own. Literacy acquisition is not a simple process, and everyone learns in a different way.

Cultural factors, social factors, and personal experiences can all play a large role in one’s literacy

journey. Both authors do a great job of explaining their point of view and the importance of

literacy for every person in this world.