Literacy
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| + | The traditional definition of '''literacy''' is considered to be the ability to read and write, or the ability to use [[language]] to [[Reading (activity)|read]], [[Writing|write]], [[Listening|listen]], and [[Speaking|speak]]. In modern contexts, the word refers to reading and writing at a level adequate for [[communication]], or at a level that lets one understand and communicate ideas in a literate [[society]], so as to take part in that society. The [[UNESCO|United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)]] has drafted the following definition: "Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society." | ||
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| + | == History of literacy == | ||
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| The history of [[literacy]] goes back several thousand years, but before the [[industrial revolution]] finally made [[pulp|cheap paper and cheap books]] available to all classes in industrialized countries in the mid-nineteenth century, only a small percentage of the population in these countries were literate. Up until that point, materials associated with literacy were prohibitively expensive for people other than wealthy individuals and institutions. For example, in England in 1841, 33% of men and 44% of women signed marriage certificates with their '''mark''' as they were unable to write. Only in 1870 was government-financed public education made available in England.{{GFDL}} | The history of [[literacy]] goes back several thousand years, but before the [[industrial revolution]] finally made [[pulp|cheap paper and cheap books]] available to all classes in industrialized countries in the mid-nineteenth century, only a small percentage of the population in these countries were literate. Up until that point, materials associated with literacy were prohibitively expensive for people other than wealthy individuals and institutions. For example, in England in 1841, 33% of men and 44% of women signed marriage certificates with their '''mark''' as they were unable to write. Only in 1870 was government-financed public education made available in England.{{GFDL}} | ||
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The traditional definition of literacy is considered to be the ability to read and write, or the ability to use language to read, write, listen, and speak. In modern contexts, the word refers to reading and writing at a level adequate for communication, or at a level that lets one understand and communicate ideas in a literate society, so as to take part in that society. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has drafted the following definition: "Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society."
History of literacy
The history of literacy goes back several thousand years, but before the industrial revolution finally made cheap paper and cheap books available to all classes in industrialized countries in the mid-nineteenth century, only a small percentage of the population in these countries were literate. Up until that point, materials associated with literacy were prohibitively expensive for people other than wealthy individuals and institutions. For example, in England in 1841, 33% of men and 44% of women signed marriage certificates with their mark as they were unable to write. Only in 1870 was government-financed public education made available in England.
