People who have difficulty understanding verbal and written information have other tell-tale behaviours. Many people with low literacy:

• give what seem to be indirect, confused, or irrelevant answers to questions
• act confused or ask questions that do not seem to relate to the problem or situation
• not ask any questions at all (rather than reveal they don’t understand what’s going on)
• nod to indicate they agree or understand something, but then not do what you expect

They may also:

• not show up for meetings or hearings (because they did not understand the instructions on a written notice)
• sign statements or legal documents that they do not understand (rather than admit they have a reading problem)
• look dazed or uncomfortable when someone gives them something to read

They may show their confusion when they:

• give the impression that they don’t understand the seriousness of their situation
• become frustrated and angry easily; they may storm out, or become physically confrontational

When you question if a person has low literacy, remember that:

• Low literacy is more than a reading problem. People with low literacy also have difficulties understanding oral and written information. Many tend to have different thinking strategies and problem-solving approaches.
• People with low literacy skills are likely to understand verbal and written information more slowly than others.
• What seems to be a bad attitude may be a literacy problem.