Blog post: International Literacy Day (ILD) 2024

Written by Abhinav Sharma, ESPC Volunteer

On September 8th we celebrate International Literacy Day. Literacy is a vital tool for personal and societal empowerment, so on this day, it is important that we reflect on the evolving nature of literacy in today’s rapidly changing world. The practical uses of literacy in an increasingly digitized and networked society, as well as the crucial role that research has played in forming our knowledge of literacy is notable. This year’s ILD theme -“Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace,” is highlighted as it emphasizes the ways in which multilingual education may help to create more inclusive and thriving communities around the world by fostering respect for one another and bridging cultural gaps (UNESCO,2024).

The role of research in shaping our understanding of literacy

Research significantly influences our practical understanding of literacy by providing evidence-based insights that help assess effectiveness of literacy skills in real-world contexts. A simplistic definition would state to be literate as ‘the ability to read and write’ (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). However, this definition seems very shallow as contemporary research has broadened this understanding. It now includes a variety of competencies essential for functioning effectively in today’s society, such as digital literacy, financial literacy, health literacy and cultural literacy (Beecher, 2023).

 Real-world applications of expanded literacy definitions

In today’s society it is also important to look at expanded literary definitions that apply to a range of scenarios. Research has shown that literacy involves more than finding meaning to text. Modern challenges expect a literate person to possess and intentionally apply a wide range of skills and competencies (Beecher, 2023). This includes but is not limited to, comprehension, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate across various platforms. For instance, studies on digital literacy have demonstrated that students must be proficient in navigating online information, evaluating sources, and creating digital content (Beecher, 2023). Similarly, health literacy can help us prevent health problems, and managing health problems when they arise (C.D.C., 2023)

Research also demonstrates how literacy is understood in the workplace environment. Employers seek employees who can understand technical documents, communicate effectively in professional settings, and build collaborative relationships. Research has also highlighted the role of cultural and contextual factors in literacy practices. Community literacy programs often incorporate local languages, oral traditions and have been successful in improving literacy rates among Indigenous and minority populations, as a noteworthy example (Beecher, 2023).

Lastly, research also points to the importance of literacy in understanding financial matters. Lacking financial literacy can lead to difficulty in accessing the financial resources needed to meet one’s basic life needs (Government of Canada, 2023).

Currently, about one in three Edmontonians struggle with reading and writing and report challenges in filling out application forms or using math (Edmonton Journal, n.d.). This is a concerning figure as the role of literacy as a medium to access social services or to give back to society cannot be overemphasized. Vulnerable individuals and community members may continue to fall through the cracks if they do not know how to read a prescription, how to take the transit system, how to be more financially aware or how to develop skills to adapt to workplace requirements (Edmonton Journal, n.d.). It is imperative that research continues to assess the evolving meaning of literacy in our dynamic societies.

 Promoting multilingual education: literacy for mutual understanding and peace

“Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace,” the subject of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO’s) International Literacy Day 2024, offers a pertinent and contemporary focus, especially in a world where linguistic diversity is both a resource and a challenge (UNESCO,2024). Being multilingual gives you access to a wider range of cultures, viewpoints, and ways of thinking. Multilingualism plays a pivotal role in easing global mobility, particularly for individuals seeking opportunities beyond their birth countries. As economic disparities and limited career prospects push people to migrate for better lives, proficiency in multiple languages becomes a key asset. It allows individuals to navigate new cultural landscapes, access job markets, and integrate more seamlessly into foreign societies. By empowering individuals to engage with diverse communities, multilingualism contributes to building a world where people can thrive together, irrespective of their origins, bringing us closer to the vision of a truly inclusive global society.

As we celebrate International Literacy Day this year it is the hope that this post will stimulate greater thinking and address some of the challenges that lie in the path of multilingualism (Smith, 2024). These include overcoming cultural biases, rehauling education curriculums and investing in staff training to manage wide-ranging literacy needs. Additionally, we must give thought to millions of people living in vulnerable communities across the world who face various challenges and may also struggle reaching basic literacy proficiency (UNESCO,2024).

 References

1. UNESCO. (n.d.). International Literacy Day. UNESCO.org. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/literacy

2. Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Literate definition & meaning. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literate#h1

3. Beecher, C. (2023, July 19). Chapter 1. what is literacy? Multiple Perspectives on Literacy. Methods of Teaching Early Literacy. https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/teachingearlyliteracy/chapter/what-is-literacy-multiple-perspectives-on-literacy/

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 19). Understanding health literacy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/learn/understanding.html

5. Canada, F. C. A. of. (2023, November 22). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/programs/research/review-financial-literacy-research.html

6. Edmonton Journal. (n.d.). Pals has been changing lives through literacy since 1979 | Edmonton Journal. Edmonton Journal. https://edmontonjournal.com/health/pals-has-been-changing-lives-through-literacy-since-1979

7. Smith, K. (2024, September 3). International Literacy Day 2024: Why Multilingual Education Matters. YWCA Northwestern Illinois. https://www.ywcanwil.org/international-literacy-day-2024-why-multilingual-education-matters/