1.1 Introduction to the Concept of Literacies

Summary

This video discusses the concept of literacy through a historical lens, highlighting its evolution from oral communication to written forms. It emphasizes that literacy, as we know it today, is a technological artifact rather than a natural occurrence. The speaker outlines three globalizations: the emergence of first languages, the invention of writing, and the rise of new media literacy. Each globalization presents unique features, constraints, and opportunities, shaping human thought and experience. This exploration seeks to deepen our understanding of how literacy influences our lives across different eras.

Takeaways

• 📜 Literacy is a key concept in understanding human history, evolving from oral communication to written forms.
• 🗣️ Throughout most of human existence, literacy, as we know it, did not exist; oral communication was predominant.
• 🔤 Language itself is a natural human capacity, but reading and writing are technological artifacts developed historically.
• ⚙️ The transition from spoken language to symbols (writing) changes our interactions and understanding of the world.
• 🌍 The course explores three significant globalizations in literacy: first languages, writing, and new media.
• ⏳ First languages have been spoken for around 100,000 years, illustrating their deep historical roots.
• ✍️ Writing, the second globalization, has only existed for about 5,000 years, highlighting its relative novelty in human history.
• 📱 New media and new literacy, the most recent globalization, have emerged in the last 60 years, impacting how we communicate.
• 🔍 Each globalization has unique features, constraints, opportunities, and expectations that will be explored throughout the course.
• 🌐 Understanding the evolution of literacy is essential to grasp how it shapes our thinking and experiences in modern society.

Q & A

What is the primary topic discussed in the video?

The video discusses the concept of literacy and its significance in human history, focusing on how literacy fits into the broader context of human existence.

How was communication primarily conducted before the advent of literacy?

Before literacy, communication was mainly oral, supplemented by visual, gestural, and other forms of non-written communication.

What does the term 'literacy' fundamentally mean?

At its core, literacy means the ability to read and write. However, it also encompasses the transformation of spoken language into written symbols.

What is the historical significance of writing according to the video?

Writing emerged approximately 5,000 years ago, marking a significant development in communication that allowed for the storage and dissemination of knowledge beyond oral traditions.

What are the three historic moments of globalization related to literacy discussed in the video?

The three historic moments are: 1) the emergence of first languages over the past 100,000 years, 2) the development of writing around 5,000 years ago, and 3) the rise of new media and literacy in the last 60 years.

Why is writing considered a manufactured form of language?

Writing is considered a manufactured form because it transforms spoken language into symbols, creating an artifact that lasts beyond immediate communication.

How does the transition from spoken language to written language affect human cognition?

The transition changes the way people think and understand their world, as written language alters cognitive frameworks and societal interactions.

What impact did new media have on literacy?

New media has introduced new forms of literacy and communication, significantly changing how people engage with information and each other over the past 60 years.

What are the key features of each phase of globalization related to literacy?

Each phase has distinct features, constraints, and opportunities that shape human communication practices and perceptions of literacy.

What is the significance of understanding literacy as a historical development?

Understanding literacy as a historical development allows us to recognize its role in shaping human society, culture, and cognitive processes throughout history.