Literacy

         

    Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak, listen, and use numbers to communicate and understand the world. It's a lifelong learning process that helps people develop their knowledge and potential. 

What literacy includes

Reading and writing: The ability to read and write in a variety of contexts 

Speaking and listening: The ability to communicate effectively through speaking and listening 

Numeracy: The ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations 

Digital skills: The ability to use technology to access information and communicate 

Media literacy: The ability to evaluate and understand media 

Critical thinking: The ability to think reflectively and judge rationally 

Why literacy is important

Literacy helps people achieve their goals, develop their potential, and participate in society 

Literacy is essential for success in school and for getting jobs as an adult 

Literacy is a global metric that correlates to better access to economic opportunity, nutrition, and environmental sustainability 

Factors that affect literacy

Historical factors: The availability of writing mediums, such as papyrus, has affected literacy rates throughout history 

Cultural factors: The importance of oral tradition in a culture can affect literacy rates 

Illiteracy: People who can't read or write a simple sentence in any language are considered illiterate.