SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 20
Download to read offline
What Is Literacy?
Andrea A. Lunsford
Stanford University
Bread Loaf ~~July 28, 2014
Alvin Toffler predicts . . .
[In the future] “illiteracy will not be
defined by those who cannot read
and write, but by those who cannot
learn and relearn.”
(I say the future is TODAY!)
According to Stephen Apkon,
“[l]iteracy is the ability to express oneself in an effective
way through the text of the moment, the prevailing
mode of expression in a particular society. Literacy
follows language. To be literate . . is to be conversant in
the dominant expressive language and form of the age.
--The Age of the Image: Redefining Literacy in a
World of Screens (2013)
I agree with Apkon’s definition, but would add a
few points:
 In today’s literacy, reading, writing, speaking, and listening are
increasingly blurred
 Acts of literacy are deeply social and collaborative: to
communicate, as Apkon notes, means to commune
 Literacy involves consuming and producing, receiving and
creating
 Storytelling is the universal literacy—in words, images, moving
pictures, and sounds.
And so . . . What is writing??
An epistemic technology
 that creates and performs lines of thought within conceptual
frameworks
 that draws from and expands on conventions and genres
 that uses signs and symbols, drawn from multiple sources
 takes advantage of a full range of media
 responds to others and other writing/reading
Children instinctively enact this definition of
writing early on
Meet Xinghe, just six years
old, living in Beijing, and
writing (in English) in
words, images, and sounds
Andrea Lunsford: What is Literacy Today?
Andrea Lunsford: What is Literacy Today?
Andrea Lunsford: What is Literacy Today?
Andrea Lunsford: What is Literacy Today?
Andrea Lunsford: What is Literacy Today?
Or consider these fifth graders at work
Meet Emma Zavala, student in Mr. Nitikman’s
Fifth Grade Class at Washington School in
Santa Barbara
Check out their accompanying Website at
https://sites.google.com/site/sbwasroompa/cl
ass-book
Andrea Lunsford: What is Literacy Today?
Andrea Lunsford: What is Literacy Today?
Such texts are increasingly remixes or mashups—
and they’re not new
Consider Tom Phillips, who in 1966 set out on a quest: to find a used
book that cost no more than threepence and then to transform each
page using drawing, painting, collage, and cut-outs to make an entirely
new version. According to Phillips’s website, he “found . . . an 1892
Victorian obscurity titled A Human Document by W.H Mallock and he
titled his altered book A Humument.” First published in 1973, there
have now been five editions. His work is now considered a classic
postmodern artist’s book.
http://humument.com/gallery/ulysses/i/hum-ulysses-03-500.jpg
Or the work of many other great students, like
Will Rogers
Or to my students, some of whom have won
Stanford’s Lunsford Oral Presentation of
Research Award
http://youtu.be/weCNkeAcavQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4xp1_LQLFM
Joy Williams’ and Alice Cohen’s "Baba Iaga and the Pelican
Child" - An Electric Literature Single Sentence Animation
To sum up the argument I’m making
 Literacy is active, participatory, and always adapting to new
circumstances, audiences, and media
 Writing now includes image, sound, video, color—any tools
available to writer/authors.
 Student writers want and need to create as well as to receive
texts.
 As teachers, we must find ways to draw on the best of the old
literacy while engaging students in the best of the new.
a few recommended sources….
 Stephen Apkon, The Age of the Image: Redefining Literacy in a World of Screens. NY:
Farrar Strauss, 2013.
 Adam Banks, Digital Griots: African American Rhetoric in a Digital Age. Carbondale:
SIUP, 2011.
 Jonathan Safran Foer, Tree of Codes. NY: Visual Editions, 2010.
 Brett Gaylor, RiP: A Remix Manifesto. YouTube, 2008.
 Henry Jenkins et al, Reading in a Participatory Culture: Remixing Moby Dick in the
English Classroom. NY: Teachers College P, 2013.
 Lawrence Lessig, Remix. NY: Penguin, 2009.

More Related Content

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (17)

Human brain
Human brainHuman brain
Human brain
 
Oxfam India Annual Report 2013
Oxfam India Annual Report 2013Oxfam India Annual Report 2013
Oxfam India Annual Report 2013
 
BEST SEO SERVICE CENTER
BEST SEO SERVICE CENTERBEST SEO SERVICE CENTER
BEST SEO SERVICE CENTER
 
Design thinking
Design thinkingDesign thinking
Design thinking
 
PostMining of weighted assosiation rules using knowledge base
PostMining of weighted assosiation rules using knowledge basePostMining of weighted assosiation rules using knowledge base
PostMining of weighted assosiation rules using knowledge base
 
Volunter health and safety
Volunter health and safetyVolunter health and safety
Volunter health and safety
 
Jack daniel 39_s
Jack daniel 39_sJack daniel 39_s
Jack daniel 39_s
 
The missing link
The missing linkThe missing link
The missing link
 
08english
08english08english
08english
 
Niyam ka phal
Niyam ka phalNiyam ka phal
Niyam ka phal
 
Ladder of success
Ladder of successLadder of success
Ladder of success
 
Success stares
Success staresSuccess stares
Success stares
 
10 tips to make writing easier & more fun
10 tips to make writing easier & more fun10 tips to make writing easier & more fun
10 tips to make writing easier & more fun
 
12english
12english12english
12english
 
Report in ap ( irish nicole ) 2
Report in ap ( irish nicole ) 2Report in ap ( irish nicole ) 2
Report in ap ( irish nicole ) 2
 
Starbucks coffee
Starbucks coffeeStarbucks coffee
Starbucks coffee
 
Imperio bizantino
Imperio bizantinoImperio bizantino
Imperio bizantino
 

Recently uploaded

How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17
How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17
How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17Celine George
 
How to Solve Singleton Error in the Odoo 17
How to Solve Singleton Error in the  Odoo 17How to Solve Singleton Error in the  Odoo 17
How to Solve Singleton Error in the Odoo 17Celine George
 
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptxheathfieldcps1
 
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?TechSoup
 
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17Celine George
 
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxIn - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxAditiChauhan701637
 
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptxCAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptxSaurabhParmar42
 
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxClinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxraviapr7
 
The Singapore Teaching Practice document
The Singapore Teaching Practice documentThe Singapore Teaching Practice document
The Singapore Teaching Practice documentXsasf Sfdfasd
 
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17Celine George
 
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdfMaximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdfTechSoup
 
2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx
2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx
2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptxSandy Millin
 
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptxPractical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptxKatherine Villaluna
 
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRADUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRATanmoy Mishra
 
How to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 Sales
How to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 SalesHow to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 Sales
How to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 SalesCeline George
 
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming ClassesHuman-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming ClassesMohammad Hassany
 
M-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptx
M-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptxM-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptx
M-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptxDr. Santhosh Kumar. N
 
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive EducationBenefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive EducationMJDuyan
 
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George WellsThe Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George WellsEugene Lysak
 
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptxCapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptxCapitolTechU
 

Recently uploaded (20)

How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17
How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17
How to Show Error_Warning Messages in Odoo 17
 
How to Solve Singleton Error in the Odoo 17
How to Solve Singleton Error in the  Odoo 17How to Solve Singleton Error in the  Odoo 17
How to Solve Singleton Error in the Odoo 17
 
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
 
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
 
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
 
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxIn - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
 
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptxCAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
 
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxClinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
 
The Singapore Teaching Practice document
The Singapore Teaching Practice documentThe Singapore Teaching Practice document
The Singapore Teaching Practice document
 
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
 
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdfMaximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
 
2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx
2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx
2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx
 
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptxPractical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
 
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRADUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
 
How to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 Sales
How to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 SalesHow to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 Sales
How to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 Sales
 
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming ClassesHuman-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
 
M-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptx
M-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptxM-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptx
M-2- General Reactions of amino acids.pptx
 
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive EducationBenefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
 
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George WellsThe Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
 
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptxCapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
 

Andrea Lunsford: What is Literacy Today?

  • 1. What Is Literacy? Andrea A. Lunsford Stanford University Bread Loaf ~~July 28, 2014
  • 2. Alvin Toffler predicts . . . [In the future] “illiteracy will not be defined by those who cannot read and write, but by those who cannot learn and relearn.” (I say the future is TODAY!)
  • 3. According to Stephen Apkon, “[l]iteracy is the ability to express oneself in an effective way through the text of the moment, the prevailing mode of expression in a particular society. Literacy follows language. To be literate . . is to be conversant in the dominant expressive language and form of the age. --The Age of the Image: Redefining Literacy in a World of Screens (2013)
  • 4. I agree with Apkon’s definition, but would add a few points:  In today’s literacy, reading, writing, speaking, and listening are increasingly blurred  Acts of literacy are deeply social and collaborative: to communicate, as Apkon notes, means to commune  Literacy involves consuming and producing, receiving and creating  Storytelling is the universal literacy—in words, images, moving pictures, and sounds.
  • 5. And so . . . What is writing?? An epistemic technology  that creates and performs lines of thought within conceptual frameworks  that draws from and expands on conventions and genres  that uses signs and symbols, drawn from multiple sources  takes advantage of a full range of media  responds to others and other writing/reading
  • 6. Children instinctively enact this definition of writing early on Meet Xinghe, just six years old, living in Beijing, and writing (in English) in words, images, and sounds
  • 12. Or consider these fifth graders at work Meet Emma Zavala, student in Mr. Nitikman’s Fifth Grade Class at Washington School in Santa Barbara Check out their accompanying Website at https://sites.google.com/site/sbwasroompa/cl ass-book
  • 15. Such texts are increasingly remixes or mashups— and they’re not new Consider Tom Phillips, who in 1966 set out on a quest: to find a used book that cost no more than threepence and then to transform each page using drawing, painting, collage, and cut-outs to make an entirely new version. According to Phillips’s website, he “found . . . an 1892 Victorian obscurity titled A Human Document by W.H Mallock and he titled his altered book A Humument.” First published in 1973, there have now been five editions. His work is now considered a classic postmodern artist’s book. http://humument.com/gallery/ulysses/i/hum-ulysses-03-500.jpg
  • 16. Or the work of many other great students, like Will Rogers
  • 17. Or to my students, some of whom have won Stanford’s Lunsford Oral Presentation of Research Award http://youtu.be/weCNkeAcavQ
  • 18. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4xp1_LQLFM Joy Williams’ and Alice Cohen’s "Baba Iaga and the Pelican Child" - An Electric Literature Single Sentence Animation
  • 19. To sum up the argument I’m making  Literacy is active, participatory, and always adapting to new circumstances, audiences, and media  Writing now includes image, sound, video, color—any tools available to writer/authors.  Student writers want and need to create as well as to receive texts.  As teachers, we must find ways to draw on the best of the old literacy while engaging students in the best of the new.
  • 20. a few recommended sources….  Stephen Apkon, The Age of the Image: Redefining Literacy in a World of Screens. NY: Farrar Strauss, 2013.  Adam Banks, Digital Griots: African American Rhetoric in a Digital Age. Carbondale: SIUP, 2011.  Jonathan Safran Foer, Tree of Codes. NY: Visual Editions, 2010.  Brett Gaylor, RiP: A Remix Manifesto. YouTube, 2008.  Henry Jenkins et al, Reading in a Participatory Culture: Remixing Moby Dick in the English Classroom. NY: Teachers College P, 2013.  Lawrence Lessig, Remix. NY: Penguin, 2009.