Someone forgot to post his/her synthesis… *cough* I did.

Who are linguists to define literacy? Scholars and researchers can only empathize with those who find literacy in lower ranks of society. Those who define literacy often ignore the fact that those who cannot read or comprehend encyclopedia-like documents may find their literacy in other places.

“This analysis of sponsorship forces us to consider… how  one social group’s literacy practices may differ from another’s…” (Brandt Sponsors 9)

The same theme is present in each piece that we read in this class. That is to say that literacy is not easily defined, measured or even understood.

“… literacy is a social practice that is vastly more difficult to define and measure in the same kinds of consistent terms that we would measure something like average rainfall…” (Williams 2)

To many in the class, Williams’ piece has been the most simple to comprehend. By focusing on the ways in which teachers can approach this so called “literary crisis”, he provides a clear analysis of the ways a teacher can approach teaching literacy. By focusing of the context of the students’ culture, the teacher can reinforce the students’ understanding of literature in unique ways.

“I propose that we step back from the question of instruction, back to an even more basic ‘basic,’ the social meaning of literacy: that is, the roles these abilities play in social life…” (Szwed 2)

The need for literacy comes only with the need to communicate. If there is no one with which to communicate there is no reason for literacy. If this is believed to be true, then one must examine literacy within a given sphere. A man who has never been lectured on the intricacies of the English language cannot offer any input into a sophisticated conversation between English professors, just as those same English professors may not be able to effectively comprehend the stat sheet of the less-educated man’s favorite sports team.

“Literacy is not a necessity for personal survival. As far as we could determine, non-literacy status does not exclude a person from full participation in economic activities or in town or society life (Szwed 22).

Literacy is relative, and much broader than it’s Merriam-Webster definition: “the ability to read and write.” Merriam-Webster recognizes this, as it continues, defining literacy as:”knowledge that relates to a specified subject.”