The first thing that we have to determine before entering fully into the meaning of the term literacy is that it has a clear etymological origin. It derives from Greek, since it is the fruit of the following components of said language:
-The letter “alpha”.
-The letter “beta”.
-The suffix “-cion”, which is used to indicate “action and effect”.
The term literacy refers to the process and the result of literacy. This action (literacy), on the other hand, is usually linked to the activity that is carried out so that a person can learn to write and read.
Literacy is called as both the act of teaching and the ability acquired by the subject who can write and read on their own. It is a basic and essential instruction to integrate into society, since without this knowledge it is almost impossible for a person to access a well-paid job with the possibility of growth. Literacy is also necessary for the subject to defend and exercise their rights.
It is important to establish that literacy plays a very important role within UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Specifically, it reaches the following statements:
-It is a fundamental right.
-Determines that, in addition, it becomes the learning base that anyone has throughout their lives. And it becomes essential both in their social and human development.
-In addition it also comes to indicate that it becomes a vital and essential resource in what is the development of the world.
-He has even created the International Literacy Prizes that have been awarded since 1967.
No less important is knowing that UNESCO has been working for more than 60 years to ensure that literacy education is the cornerstone of the various education programs that are carried out internationally or in different countries, in particular.
In addition to all that we have indicated, we cannot overlook the fact that September 8 is International Literacy Day.
The opposite of literacy is illiteracy: those who cannot write or read are illiterate. It must be borne in mind, however, that a human being may have the ability to write basic words or messages and to read simple texts, but nevertheless not have the necessary skills to analyze and understand precisely what he reads. In this case, despite having a certain level of literacy, the subject will be classified as functional illiterate.
In the modern world, literacy is not enough for a person to progress since additional knowledge is required in the labor market and in other areas (such as mastering computer science or another language beyond one’s own). That is why notions such as the idea of digital literacy appear, related to the teaching of the use of computers (computers) and the Internet.