Grassroots Literacy: Writing, Identity and Voice in Central Africa is an insightful work that delves into the complex relationship between literacy and globalization. This book, authored by Jan Blommaert, seeks to address a critical question: how has globalization shaped our understanding of literacy, particularly in the context of Central Africa?

At the heart of this exploration is the concept of ‘grassroots’ literacies—writings produced by ordinary people and local communities. These literacies exist in stark contrast to what can be termed ‘elite’ literacies, often characterized by their prevalence in developed environments. Blommaert’s analysis reveals a widening gap between these two forms of literacy, highlighting the challenges faced by grassroots literacies as they navigate the elite literacy spaces of the modern world.

Blommaert uses two unique, handwritten documents from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to illustrate his points. These documents serve as vital evidence of how grassroots literacy develops outside the literacy-rich environments of the developed world. Through a close examination of these texts, the author demonstrates that grassroots literacies are frequently disqualified or undervalued. They are labeled as ‘bad’ forms of literacy or dismissed as messages that fail to resonate within elite contexts.

This book is not merely an academic study; it is a call to recognize the value of grassroots voices in the global conversation about literacy. By bringing attention to the writings of socially and economically marginalized writers, Blommaert challenges readers to reconsider their definitions of literacy and the environments in which it is cultivated.

Grassroots Literacy will serve as essential reading for students of language and literacy studies. Additionally, it is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the implications of globalization on local literacy practices. By engaging with this text, readers will gain deeper insights into how grassroots literacies function as relatively autonomous systems, deserving recognition and respect in a world that often overlooks their significance.