The etymological origin of the term illiterate that we are now going to address is found in Latin. Exactly it is the result of the sum of the following lexical components of said language:
-The prefix “in-”, which means “no”.
-The noun “littera”, which is synonymous with “letter”.
-The suffix “-ado”, which is used to indicate that “someone has received the action.”
Illiterate is an adjective that refers to someone who does not know how to read or write . It is, therefore, a synonym for illiterate .
The concept, in turn, is the antonym of literate . In the past, an individual who knew how to write and/or read was classified as literate. Nowadays, the educated, scholarly or cultured subject is called a lawyer; By extension, an illiterate person is someone who does not have great knowledge (although they know how to read and write).
For example: “My grandfather was an illiterate immigrant who managed to progress in this country thanks to his efforts,” “The truth is that I am illiterate in economic matters, but I don't think that requesting a loan from the International Monetary Fund is a good idea considering tells the background of said organization” , “I am not going to let any illiterate politician come and tell us how we have to govern” .
Other words that serve as synonyms for illiterate are uneducated, ignorant, nescient, profane or ignorant. On the contrary, in addition to the one already mentioned, other antonyms of illiterate are cultured and wise, for example.
Being illiterate is a disadvantage since knowledge is a valuable resource in all areas. It is almost impossible for a person who does not know how to read or write to have access to a well-paid job. At the same time, they will have difficulties defending their rights .
Even an adult who is not illiterate but who does not know computers or speak another language beyond his or her mother tongue can be illiterate in many areas as society demands more and more knowledge. In the 21st century, knowing how to read and write is not enough to grow in the workplace, except in certain sectors.
That is why fighting illiteracy and ensuring that there are fewer and fewer illiterate people is an objective that all governments consider. Promoting access to education , in this framework, is essential.
Although now, in the 21st century, work is being done to end the prevailing illiteracy and the fact that there are illiterate people, the truth is that decades ago there were many citizens who were illiterate even in countries of the so-called "First World." This situation occurred because, for example, in rural areas with a poor economy, boys and girls had to go to work at an early age both inside and outside their homes in order to improve the family situation.
Currently, according to data managed by different world organizations and NGOs, there are 15% of the planet's population that is illiterate. Therefore, we are working to carry out measures to put an end to it. Specifically, in underdeveloped areas and where there are more children in this situation, the choice is to undertake information campaigns on the streets and even carry out all types of cultural and awareness-raising activities in this regard.