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Book chapter Book chapter Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Restricted literacy in Northern Ghana
Author:Goody, J.ISNI
Book title:Literacy in traditional societies
Year:1968
Pages:198-264
Language:English
Geographic term:Ghana
Subjects:reading
traditions
Islam
education
Abstract:Describes the impact of writing on non-literate and partially literate states of LoDagaa and Gonja. After assessing that nearly in the whole area, societies have been influenced by techniques and products of alphabetic literacy, the author describes the effects of literate techniques on the social systems of the area, which have lain mainly in the magico-religious field. Besides, literacy has contributed to a consolidation of bonds between traders of different groups, and has promoted political contacts between Gonja chiefs and Muslims. Literacy however was restricted in its diffusion as well as in its content because of its exclusive religious character. Learning to read implied studying the Holy Book, written in the foreign language of Arabic. Besides, there was the tendency to regard books as magical and secret, which has nullified the main function of writing, namely that of communication. Notes, index.
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