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SIL Electronic Working Papers
SILEWP 2005-003

Author: Helen Abadzi
Title: Are there Age-Related Psychophysiological Barriers to the Acquisition of Literacy?
Source: Literacy Colloquium Papers
Country:
Subjects: literacy, Literacy Colloquium, age-related barriers, reading acquisition, instructional methodology, adult women
Abstract:

This paper was presented at the International Literacy Year Colloquium in October 1990, in Washington, D.C. It addresses some of the psychophysiological issues facing adults in acquiring literacy. The paper addresses three possible neurological barriers for adults. These barriers are:

  1. The brain may be more developmentally prepared for reading acquisition at an early age;
  2. The changing mechanisms of information storage may affect consolidation of letter patterns; and
  3. Diminishing attentional resources may affect reading comprehension.
The question is then raised whether greater returns may be reaped from investing in literacy for younger illiterates instead of older adults illiterates.

Paper: PDF (140kb, 9 pages)

Questions/Comments: SILEWP@sil.org