Adult literacy rates in South Africa: A comparison of different measures

Type Journal Article - Taylor & Francis Online
Title Adult literacy rates in South Africa: A comparison of different measures
Author(s)
Volume 42
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2011
Page numbers 39-49
URL http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/ref/10.1080/10228195.2011.571703#tabModule
Abstract
This study estimates and compares different measures of adult literacy rates in South Africa, using information collected in recent nationally representative household surveys. In particular, the study considers adult literacy rates derived from three sets of information: the highest level of educational attainment; whether or not individuals report being able to read and to write in a language; and how individuals rank their ability to read and to write in their home language. The study highlights the considerable variation in adult literacy rates, depending on which information is used; and it considers the implications of these findings for collecting information on literacy ability in household surveys.

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