The Challenges of Globalization and the Use of Children’s Literature in Achieving Cultural Literacy in Nigeria

Abstract

In the past, Africans attached great value to the transmission of their values and norms to their younger generation. This was done through oral traditions, such as story telling, songs, lullabies, riddles, plays and more. This emphasises continuity and cultural preservation .Cultural transmission aims at producing a generation who will sustain the communities’ values like honesty, perseverance, diligence, good community and brotherly relationship. Children’s Literature refers to quality books for children ranging from birth to adolescence; while globalization is the process of increased inter dependence and integration of cultures and values among nations, This paper thus, discusses the use of children’s literature as an instrument of achieving national integration in the era of globalization. It also examines the relevance of children’s literature to the society and asserts that children’s literature could be used to promote and sustain the national heritage. It will serve as a voice to forestall loss of our values. It proffers suggestions and concludes, .by stating how to achieve these aims. Keywords: Children’s literature; Globalization and Cultural Literacy