Writing and reading. Political ethnography of a literacy course for Sinti adults

Abstract

This article presents two experiences of Sinti adult literacy in Reggio Emilia, one dating back to the 1960s and the other to 2001. It shows how adult literacy is linked to associationism and the competitive dynamics between local Sinti associations. Active participation in these courses is analysed in the light of family and political relations within the Sinti community. It is emphasised that literacy is not seen as a disadvantage and course attendance is not dictated by compulsory schooling, but rather by other reasons of interest and use of writing. The school becomes a place where positions and relationships within the community are reaffirmed, with a focus on competitions and political recognition