whatisliteracy

= =   What is Literacy? The term //literacy// does not have the same meaning as the term //language//. As Hill (2006, p3) explains, literacy involves a vast array of concepts. It is the:







of language and also refers to the knowledge and skills that are needed for one to effectively function in the community.

Language is the means of communication; the system of signs and symbols used by humans (Anstey & Bull, 1996, p 35). Therefore, //language// refers to the system used, and //literacy// refers to the “actual practices” involved in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Literacy is a very complex set of skills and it is no wonder some children find this difficult. As Matthews (2003) explains when one looks more closely as to what is involved in simple reading, one realises just how complex the process is:

> (Matthews 2003)
 * Focus attention on the printed marks and control eye movement across the page
 * Recognise the sounds associated with letters
 * Understanding words and grammar
 * Build ideas and images
 * Compare new ideas to what you already know
 * Store ideas in memory