Does a country with a low literacy rate also suffer from a lower rate of intelligence among its people?

Question

Generally speaking of course.

I'm not refering to any country in particular.
Here are some statistics to look over BEFORE you answer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_literacy_rate

Answer 1

There are many types of literacy, so I am assuming that you do not mean being able to read and write an international language. That said, there are people that are extremely literate in reading or writing, or nature, or mathematics. Literacy, at its very basic definition is the ability to encode and decode a sign. It doesn't mean that one must have high linguisitc abilities. That said, i think you should define your definition of literacy.

Intelligence, per se, is not connected in any way with the general definition that most Americans associate with "Literacy", meaning the ability to read and comprehend (encode and decode). Many cultures figure intelligence on the ability to survive in the environment, using hands on or learned skills. Where would the ability to read written language help in that situation?

Americans, for the most part of their colonial history, had about a 30% "literacy" rate, and seemed to have been quite successful in surviving.

I know this is a long answer, and might not be helpful, but hopefully you might look at multiple intelligences, beyond the ability to read written language. I'd rather have an "illiterate" on a wilderness trip that knows his stuff than the best read and most highly respected professor of literature.

Answer 2

This literacy statistics are taken from a sample. I don't think they reflect actual literacy percentage. Anyway, I'm an avid believer that we should not judge a person's intelligence just because they are illiterate. It just mean that they do not go through formal education. Knowledge comes in many forms and it also depends on a person's ability to think. Literacy just means that you can read. Reading and absorbing the information are 2 very different things.

Answer 3

Not necessarily.

Ignorance, in its meaning of lack of education, has nothing to do with intelligence, in its meaning of problem solving ability.

Once I had the experience of being introduced to a state legislator by the president of my community college. I was being introduced around by the college as the epitome of the student body that college served; I had dropped out of highschool, and never completed it, not even a GED. My first semester after ten years out of the classroom, I managed to get a perfect 4.0 grade point average. The college wanted to expand, and needed the legislature to vote the money. So several of us adult students were on display as good examples.

When the president introduced me to a female legislator, giving my history and recent success, she responded, "Oh yes. I once knew a man who was not stupid either."

So I have always thought, illiteracy does not have the corner on lack of intelligence.

In fact, low rates of literacy have more to do with lack of economic opportunity, than lack of intelligence. When the land or climate does not supply food and shelter abundantly, people struggle to survive, and schooling is a luxury.

Answer 4

I find it hard to believe that the untied states is that high on the list. And remember in some countries woman are not allowed to learn to read and write and plus add on Native Tribes. That could very well add to that.

Answer 5

The United States of America is a great example that what you suggest is very true.

Answer 6

Yes and the two idiots that are anti American that posted before me seem to be living proof.

Answer 7

not lower intelligene...but lower rate to access of knowledge...completely different things

Answer 8

hmm... Are you talking about America... YES!