LITERACY Flashcards
What is the traditional definition of literacy?
The state of being able to read and write.
What does the term ‘literate’ derive from?
‘Literate’ stems from the Latin word ‘literatus’, meaning ‘(a person) marked with letters’.
What are the three sub-categories of conventional literacy according to Miller (1973)?
- Basic Literacy
- Comprehension Literacy
- Functional/Practical Literacy
What is Basic Literacy?
The ability to correspond visual shapes to spoken sounds to decode written materials.
What is Comprehension Literacy?
The ability to understand the meaning of what is being read.
What is Functional or Practical Literacy?
The ability to read written materials needed to perform everyday vocational tasks.
What are the two essential components for reading to exist?
- A text consisting of symbols and grammar.
- A meaning or message being communicated by the text.
What is Functional Illiteracy?
The state of being able to read but not well enough to manage daily living and employment tasks.
How has the definition of literacy evolved according to UNESCO?
Literacy is a complex and dynamic concept that is continually defined and interpreted in multiple ways.
What is UNESCO’s formal definition of literacy?
The ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, and compute using printed and written materials.
What does Mkandawire (2018) define literacy as?
A form of knowledge, competence, and skills in a particular field or area.
What are the ‘new’ literacies in the 21st century?
They are not literally new but are skills and knowledge applied in new contexts.
Why is it important to know and apply new literacies?
They help individuals navigate, evaluate, and use information effectively in a digital world.
What are the three critical things in the rise of new literacies?
- Increased Reach
- Increased Means of Communication
- Increased Breadth of Content
What does Increased Reach refer to?
Communicating with more people from diverse cultures across greater distances.
What does Increased Means of Communication refer to?
Communicating in more ways and at faster speeds than ever before.
What does Increased Breadth of Content refer to?
Communicating about a wider range of topics than ever before.
What are some examples of new literacies?
Globalization & Multicultural Literacy, Media & Cyber/Digital Literacies, Critical Literacy, Social & Financial Literacies, Ecoliteracy & Artistic and Creative Literacy.
