Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Literacy is Inadequate: Young Children need Literacies

Murray, J. (2021) Literacy is Inadequate: Young Children need Literacies. International Journal of Early Years Education. 29(1), pp. 1-5. 0966-9760.

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Abstract:
According to a narrow definition of literacy - ability to read and write, exemplified by understanding ‘a short simple statement on everyday life’ (UNESCO, 2021) - the global adult literacy rate is currently 86% (UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2020; The World Bank Group, 2021). This figure represents an 18% increase from 68% over the past 40 years, which may seem, prima facie, to represent powerful progress. However, as I argue in the editorial for this issue of the International Journal of Early Years Education, there is little room for complacency regarding global literacy. The figure reveals that millions of people remain marginalised by illiteracy in a World that has become increasingly techno-rational. It also serves as a reminder that measuring literacy at the level of purely technical print level fails to recognise the value of a broader understanding of literacy that encompasses the myriad ways humans communicate with one another and understand the world (National Literacy Trust, 2017).
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/quality_education
Creators:
Murray, J.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Education and Research
Research Centres > Centre for Education and Research
Date:
1 March 2021
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
pp. 1-5
Journal or Publication Title:
International Journal of Early Years Education
Volume:
29
Number:
1
Number of Pages:
5
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1080/09669760.2021.1883816
ISSN:
0966-9760
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
No
Related URLs:
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