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Let's get "global learnin'" at the libraries

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Contributed by: DR. SEAN REIF D.C. on 9/27/2007

An international library theme focuses on the community library as a CULTURAL and Informational Technology Hub for new immigrants to learn the "American Melting Pot Ethic." Whether a library is serving Asians, Russians, Latinos, Canadians, librarians are now reaching out to new populations. Opportunities exist for local libraries to help us learn more about culture in which they now live. Also to preserve and transmit their own history to their children.

Being bilingual in a culture is allows more ways to communicate. The vocabulary of the LIBRARY are the words that people in every day life. If it is "F-ornicate" this, and "Defecate" that, it is probably because the kids are teaching themselves, because those "slang" words would be shocking. But in our own community, and not just in the Youth, we witness "foul language" as a bi-product of poor communication, primarily due to ILLITERACY and INNUMBERACY.

How strange is it to walk down the street in China Town? And to not recognize any familiar words spoken or read. If you have the "Gumption" to improve your place in LIFE, it begins with learning the LANGUAGE. All members of all families, challenging their OTHERS to be able to be self-sufficient in reading.

My pioneer ancestors settled the Plains in Kansas 130 years ago when Indians and Buffalo freely roamed the Plains. They came over for the Land. Farmers and weavers of burlap in Germany known as Bohemia, their barn burned down with their entire stock. 4 brothers and sisters arrived in America, rode the train to Iowa and settled in Alton, Kansas. The first husband died. Rosa advertised for a hired man in Minneapolis, and made herself a husband. The kids were the ones going to school while the parents worked the fields. The kids spoke the English language and conducted the business in town. Being bilingual is fundamental to the Function of an "Immigrant family." The quality of words chosen give meaning and value to our communication.

I tutored a newly American citizen in American History and Government for the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization examination. MOST, Americans, unless they 'ACED' both High School courses would have had trouble passing the Civil Service and Revolutionary War portions. But if you can read, you can be taught. It requires that you write, read, and speak English and say, the Pledge of Allegiance, along with other historical trivia.

Many public libraries participate in a program called "Born to Read" aimed at newborns and their parents. Preschool story hours are a considerable contribution to the education of young children. Summer reading programs keep children reading and learning and is vital if newly acquired reading skills are to strengthen and develop. America's public libraries offer some level of access to the Internet for the users. Families who cannot afford to buy a computer use computers at the library.

A library functions as a source of information for the members of the community. The availability of literacy services should be promoted through television and radio as well as foreign language publications. Libraries are ideal neutral locations for tutors and pupils to meet.

Respectfully,
Dr. Sean Reif D.C.

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Submitted By: DR. SEAN REIF D.C.

posted on 9/27/2007 @ 5:44:05 PM

Rated Story

“Speech is not mere breath. It is supposed to have meaning. Take away that and you cannot distinguish it from the chirping of birds.”

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

DR. SEAN REIF D.C.

THORNTON , CO

DR. SEAN REIF D.C. has posted 1066 stories and 1233 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. DR. SEAN REIF D.C. 's average story rating is 3.03.

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