Redefining Literacy
The traditional definition of literacy is the ability to read and write. Reading, according to the Webster’s Dictionary (the first definition), is a term that means using touch or sight to receive the sense of letters. On the other hand, writing is the use of an instrument to develop characters or text on a surface (Merriam-Webster, 2017). The two definitions point to a written language with the potential to limit ideas that can be communicated. However, the two terms have other definitions. Writing can also be defined as the process of making an impression that is permanent. Reading is also the ability to decode or interpret significance or meaning (Merriam-Webster, 2017). Literacy practices and literacy events are also critical to being literate.

Literacy practice is the way people adopt written language in their daily lives. The practices encompass attitudes, values, social relationships and feelings (Street, 1993, 12), but not just behaviors that can be observed. It is a set of social practices inferred from text-mediated events. Literacy events are activities based on writing or reading; they involve written texts. They are observable events arising from literacy practices that define them (Barton et al., 2000, 8). The events are made up of written texts and how they are developed. The aspects of literacy offer literacy social view as a set of social practices based on observable events and written texts (Barton et al., 2000, 9). The scope of the definition of literacy increases exponentially due to the broader definitions of the terms related to it. Therefore, literacy is inclusively defined as the ability to interpret and assess the surrounding world. This ability is made up of three elements: social, cognitive and critical skills.

The cognitive element of literacy emphasizes on the interpretation of what is read. It is important to understand what is to be read and the essence of reading it before actually getting to read it. While reading, a reader must understand the text that is being read. When done reading, take time to make sure that the whole message being communicated is understand. That would sometimes mean a text has to be read several times to properly understand its message. Moreover, the reason for reading is also important, but depending on the text source. For instance, is the text a novel for pleasure or a textbook for a class? Is it a comedy produced to make people laugh or an educational documentary? Literacy is...…when all the elements are put together. Literacy involves the process of interpreting the messages being communicated and assessing what they mean. Literacy skills are critical to developing individual identity and broadening personal or group abilities if allowed.

Glossary

Literacy is the ability to read and write.

Reading is a cognitive process of decoding symbols or characters to derive its meaning. It is a way of processing language.

Writing is putting text together to compose a publication. It is a form of human communication representing emotions and language in the form of symbols, characters and signs. It is a tool that makes languages readable.

Text is written content, a book or printed work. It is a piece of writing or the body of a book. It can also be a message or anything that can be read.

Literacy practices is learning based on understanding and developing texts in social events in previous beliefs, knowledge, social relationships and attitudes. They are the activities based on reading and writing with the intention of understanding its meaning. It is how texts and language are utilized to help readers in their everyday lives.

Literacy events are observable activities based on writing or reading.