PRELITERATE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "preliterate" refers to a state of being characterized by the absence or limited development of literacy skills and the use of written symbols or systems of communication. It describes individuals or societies that have not yet acquired or fully embraced the ability to read and write.
In a preliterate society, there is generally no written language or widely understood scripts, resulting in a heavy reliance on oral traditions, storytelling, and verbal communication for transmitting knowledge, culture, and history. Oral traditions, including myths, legends, and folktales, play a vital role in preserving and passing down information from one generation to another.
The concept of preliterate does not imply an intellectual or cognitive deficiency, but rather signifies a specific stage of societal development. It may encompass both historical periods before the advent of writing systems and contemporary societies that have limited access to education or choose to maintain traditional means of communication and knowledge dissemination.
Preliterate individuals often rely on other forms of non-verbal communication, such as visual cues, body language, and gestures to convey their thoughts, emotions, and intentions. They may also employ various symbolic systems like pictograms or ideograms to represent concepts or ideas visually.
The transition from a preliterate society to one that embraces literacy can have significant social, cultural, and economic implications as it opens doors to new modes of expression, increased access to information, and opportunities for education and innovation.
Common Misspellings for PRELITERATE
Etymology of PRELITERATE
The word "preliterate" is derived from the prefix "pre-" and the word "literate".
- "Pre-" is a prefix that means "before" or "prior to".
- "Literate" is derived from the Latin word "litteratus", which means "educated" or "versed in literature".
So, the term "preliterate" is used to describe a period or society that predates the development of writing or a person who has not yet acquired the skills of reading and writing.
Similar spelling words for PRELITERATE
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