A Primer in Tweaked English

Earlier this summer Jevon wanted to know how to do some electrical wiring, so he checked out a few books from the library.  A week ago I had 12 pounds of carrots in my fridge and needed a new meal idea, so I pulled out my cookbook and read a recipe for carrot soup. Last Tuesday Jevon had a migraine, so I grabbed my alternative medicine book and scanned it for ideas to help him. A couple days ago I wanted to let my grandma know I was thinking of her, so I wrote her a letter.  And yesterday I wanted to know Jesus better, so I opened my Bible and read some chapters of Luke.

What does literacy mean to you?

The ability to read and write is empowering.  That’s why we are in literacy class right now, learning a method for teaching people to read and write.  We are not only wanting to teach people the gospel of Jesus Christ – although that’s huge!  But we want them to go on to become a mature church, teaching and discipling others of their own people and reaching out to other peoples.  We want them to be able to interact deeply and continually with the Word of God – and with the God of the Word!  That’s why we want them to be able to read fluently and comprehend what they are reading.  We believe in the potential of the church – that’s why we want them to also be able to write, so that they can communicate as God teaches them.

Our literacy teaching class is both informative and hands-on.  We even get a little practice preparing a literacy program – we’re going to write the first eight pages of a primer in English.  Well, actually we’re going to write it in a tweaked English.  A more phonetic form of English.  It’s easier that way.  And our Tweaked English is alot more like the languages we are likely to be working in someday.

Making a primer in Tweaked English – that’s what the Riches are up to.  How about you?

Love,
Danica for the Rich family