What is literacy?

Summary

The speaker emphasizes that literacy extends beyond traditional reading and writing, encompassing diverse forms of communication and understanding. They argue for a broader definition that includes visual literacy, critical analysis of images, and the socio-cultural factors influencing literacy practices. By recognizing the literacy experiences of multilingual and multicultural individuals, educators can foster a more inclusive approach that empowers students to engage with the world creatively and critically, ultimately enriching their understanding of humanity.

Takeaways

• 📚 Literacy encompasses more than just reading and writing; it includes various ways of knowing and expressing information.
• 🌍 Understanding literacy requires recognizing its presence in all forms of communication within social contexts.
• 🖼️ Analyzing images and understanding their context is an important aspect of literacy often overlooked in traditional education.
• 🔍 Literacy involves critical thinking skills such as drawing inferences, conclusions, and critiques.
• 🧩 Schools often simplify literacy to print-based text, which limits students' understanding of its broader applications.
• 📈 Expanding our definition of literacy can enhance participation in democratic society and improve communication skills.
• 👥 The engagement with literacy should acknowledge and include diverse perspectives from marginalized groups.
• ✨ Students benefit from being exposed to varied concepts of literacy that reflect their identities and experiences.
• 🌱 Teaching students about multimodal literacy can empower them to see the world in innovative ways.
• 💡 Promoting an expansive view of literacy helps cultivate empathy and a deeper understanding of humanity.

Q & A

What is the speaker's perspective on literacy?

The speaker believes literacy encompasses a broader range of skills beyond just reading and writing, including ways of knowing, expressing, and interacting within social contexts.

How do many students perceive literacy, according to the speaker?

Many students come in with fixed perspectives that limit literacy to merely reading, writing, and speaking.

What does the speaker suggest about the teaching of literacy in schools?

The speaker notes that schools often approach literacy as simply print-based skills, which, while important, limits the broader understanding of literacy.

Why is it important to expand the definition of literacy?

Expanding the definition of literacy allows for a more inclusive understanding that acknowledges various forms of communication, enhancing students' engagement and understanding of the world.

What role do images and photos play in understanding literacy?

Images and photos are important for drawing inferences and critiques, helping to broaden the conception of literacy beyond print.

What example does the speaker use to illustrate differences in interpretation of images?

The speaker references two images from the same event that may appear different, prompting analysis of the choices made in constructing those images and the messages they convey.

How does the speaker connect literacy to identity?

The speaker connects literacy to various aspects of identity, such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender, suggesting that these factors shape our understanding and engagement with literacy.

What is the speaker's passion regarding language and literacy practices?

The speaker is passionate about advocating for the language and literacy practices of multilingual, multicultural, and marginalized groups, which have historically been silenced or overlooked.

What impact does the speaker hope to have on students?

The speaker hopes to plant seeds of understanding in students that encourage them to see themselves beyond societal perceptions, fostering a cycle of embracing humanity and innovative thinking.

How does the speaker view the relationship between literacy and everyday life?

The speaker sees literacy as impacting every aspect of life, emphasizing that it is not restricted to print but is a fundamental part of daily communication and interaction.