The Concept of Literacy, Essay Example

The concept of literacy is usually defined as simply having the capacity to read and write in one (or more) languages. In this context, one can be more or less literate, depending on a number of factors. For example, someone who has a limited vocabulary and difficulty understanding sentence structure would be considered “semi-literate” while someone with a broader vocabulary would be considered. Even among those who are literate in the sense that they can easily read and write, there are those who can write much better than others. Not everyone who has an extensive vocabulary and understands the rules of grammar is automatically a great writer. Being literate in the context of language skills is not the same as being proficient in other areas (such as mathematics). Language is used to communicate and express ideas, so one individual with strong language skills may not have the same creative ideas to express as another individual with the same level of language skills. This general definition or framework for literacy is specifically about the use of language, but it is also somewhat limited, and deeper consideration of the issue of literacy reveals that there are other ways to apply the term and its related concepts.

The advent and rapid evolution of digital technology has opened up entirely new means for people to communicate with each other. The basic concepts of words and sentences used to convey ideas remains the same, but users of these tools have adapted them to fit the growth of new technology. One of the defining characteristics of many digital communication platforms is speed. On platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and text messaging, users can exchange ideas and information quickly, and are often limited to the number of letters or characters that can be used i9n each message. This has led to the creation of a wide range of communication shortcuts, from acronyms like “LOL” to the use of emoticons and emojis that are intended to convey meaning with one or a few simple symbols. A century ago a pair of friends may have exchanged letters that took a fair amount of time to write, send, and receive responses. Today friends can exchange ideas in seconds. Having the ability to communicate in this new context is itself a form of literacy; it requires an understanding of how to use appropriate words and symbols and also how to use the technological platforms in which communication takes place. This broadens the definition of “literacy” to include new and evolving cultural and social frameworks beyond just the use of words and sentences.

Applying a broader definition (or set of definitions) to the concept of literacy does not mean that all aspects of traditional literacy no longer have any meaning or relevance. It also means that one can be “literate” in a variety of ways. Writing a traditional research paper, for examples, requires the writer to follow traditional rules about language structure and format. Communicating in new media and on new platforms also requires literacy in those areas, as they have their own rules and expectations (though these rules change and adapt quickly and constantly).  A popular and media-savvy performer who uses Instagram to effectively build followers and to promote a new movie or album can be seen as “literate” in the context of social media. This person may understand how to use the platforms of social media to communicate effectively with fans and followers, while now knowing how to write a research paper.

This example highlights how the concept of literacy has multiple meanings and definitions. Words are the most obvious symbols used to convey meaning, and the ability to use them is traditionally seen as the definition of literacy. There are, however, other symbols that can be used to convey meaning and to communicate. These include cultural symbols that may have different meanings to different people. The choice of communication platform can convey meaning. The embedded symbols and imagery can convey meaning. A photograph posted to a Facebook page or an Instagram account may send a clear message to the recipient even without a caption.  A blogger who uses shorthand and slang to discuss a specific subject of interest may be seen as “literate” both in terms of the use of language and proficiency in the subject matter.  The concept of literacy is no longer limited just to language proficiency. It has grown to include proficiency in a range of skills or subjects as well as the capacity to effectively communicate ideas and concepts in appropriate contexts.