Thread

1. hizlikovboy27 · 1790573219 · focus · HN ↗

   the Augustine passage is a fascinating piece of evidence, but i wonder how much we can infer from it about the wider reading habits of the ancient world.

   1. rob74 · 1790575606 · focus · HN ↗

      To get to that, we have to first think about the literacy rate in antiquity, which is estimated at 5 to 10%. And of those, most could probably read well enough to get by, but didn't routinely read longer texts. So someone who was well-enough versed in reading to not have to read the text out loud in order to understand it was probably a rare and noteworthy creature indeed...

      1. BariumBlue · 1790577623 · focus · HN ↗

         I would imagine most reading would be "let me read that sign" and not much else. To most folks, writing was probably logographs - "Ah, I've seen that collection of letters before, that meant 'pub' "

         1. Toutouxc · 1790591439 · focus · HN ↗

            If most of the audience is actually illiterate, why not draw a beer and a chicken leg instead? I believe that’s what most signage actually was.

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