Adult literacy in the Arab world

Abstract

: Adult illiteracy, for decades, has gained international focus and been placed on the literacy map of the international community. Despite this acknowledgement of adult illiteracy importance and its socio-economic repercussions, such focus has lost momentum and funding from governments, national as well as international NGOs ‘for some time’ (Archer, 2005). In light of the dwindling resources, the present study investigates the potential and scope of educational outreach initiatives via the broadcast media in the Arab World. Guided by its findings and strengthened by applied research trends in adult literacy TV programming, the present study highlights recommendations related to age, gender, diglossic/literacy needs, production format and viewing patterns, essential to the realization and success of future adult literacy TV programs in the Arab World.