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Definition of Terms
Adult Education: Any kind of education for adults.
Adult Basic Education (ABE): Adult education that includes reading, writing, and math skills at a level below high school completion. Often, these classes include speakers of other languages who have advanced beyond ESL or ESOL classes.
Cross-cultural: Dealing with, or bridging the gap between, different cultures. Thus, "cross-cultural communication" is when a person from one culture communicates with someone from a different culture.
Cultural Competency: The ability of a service provider or educator to address the needs of their recipient populations in a way that acknowledges and is sensitive to their cultural differences. This includes finding ways to communicate in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
Culture: The shared characteristics of a group of people, which may include patterns of behavior, beliefs, customs, traditions, artistic expression, and language.
Easy-to-read, Simple language, or Plain language: Different people have different views of what is "easy-to-read," or what is written in "simple language." However, these terms are generally used to describe writing that is below an eighth-grade reading level. Materials described in this way will often have large font and a format that shows a lot of white space on the page, making it easier for people with limited literacy skills to follow.
English as a Second Language (ESL) or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): Instruction for immigrants, refugees, or other adults whose primary language is not English to improve speaking, reading, and writing skills in English.
Ethnic: Relating to a particular group that is defined by factors that may include race, religion, nationality, ancestry, or culture.
Grade Level or Reading Level: In the U.S., this term is used to describe the average reading skills expected after each year of school in the public school system. It is also applied to written material that we expect students at each level to understand. It is not as accurate for adults who have life experience and knowledge that allow them to understand higher-level vocabulary. However, it is often used as a standard way to describe how easy a text is to understand.
Literacy: A person's ability to use reading and writing for communication or learning. Note that literacy can apply to different written languages. A person's literacy in English may be low, while their literacy in their primary language may be high.
Low Literacy or Limited Literacy: An inability to read or write well enough to perform necessary tasks in society or on the job. In the U.S., this is generally categorized as having a reading level at or below seventh grade. "Low-literacy materials" are those that are written in simple language and can be understood by people with limited literacy skills.
Multicultural: Relating to or intended for different individual cultures.
Participatory Education: Education that encourages learners to be partners with teachers in shaping the educational experience. This kind of education fosters an atmosphere of respect and comfort between teachers and students, and draws on the students' experiences to be catalysts for learning and social action.
Primary Language or Home Language: The language first taught and most used in the home during childhood.
What This Guide Is About | Introduction | Materials | Indices | Home
World Education
November 2000