What is literacy to you?

Literacy surrounds us – it’s the language of learning! How we seek, interpret and share information by means of reading, writing, speaking, math, technology, signage and social skills provides a vast playground for creative self expression. It also offers endless methods to convey our understanding, share information, and concisely express our ideas, desires, knowledge and skills to others in multiple ways.

​The words and tone we choose when sharing our feelings, explaining ourselves, and relaying information sets the stage for how our audience will interpret the message we’re sending. That’s why no two people will phrase a question the same way or tell a story using the same words. How you express yourself reflects your life’s experiences - consider how poetry and social media posts both send a message! 

Math, signs and digital literacy are based more on logic than creativity or self expression, meaning there’s only one accepted answer. In math, answers can be checked by performing the equation forwards and backwards: 44 + 22 = 66, and 66 – 44 = 22. Also, if traffic signs didn’t have specific meanings, it would wreak havoc on roadways because drivers would not know what action to take.  

There are also several ways to perform a search or access settings on electronic devices. You can “click” on the Windows icon using your mouse/touchpad or simply press the Windows key on your keyboard. You can also type (or speak!) what you are looking for in the search bar on your desktop or in Google.

These are just a few examples of how literacy can be applied and observed in our community, society, and even globally! Please be thoughtful and kind in your interactions with others, some folks may not have the same understanding or comprehension as others.

Sarah Balitsky
Digital Literacy Coordinator
Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy