[AAACE-NLA] a definition

[gdemetrion at msn.com]

That's doable, though in terms of creating a list widely enough acceptable (realizing there will always be disagreement and perspective that could always be added) the NLA definition has the advantage of recognition and broad-based acceptance that a more "home grown" version may not have.  Also, there may be a need to have specific reference to reading, writing, speaking, understanding eve though these components of language are implicit in your single term, "communication." Keep in mind, too, that in this particular function I am playing a somewhat scribal courtly role here which doesn't necessarily reflect my views.

A few questions:

a)  Is a definition even necessary, or at least desirable
b)  if so, to what extent should it be a broadly-based consensus one
c)  What are the advantages and disadvantages of going with the NLA definition
c)  Even if not, do the words, reading, writing, speaking, understanding need to be explicitly brought in

For the record I'm inclined toward a "new literacy studies" perspective as I've laid out in Conflicting Paradigms, where I think your definition is pointing to, as well is the NLA definition, even as its socio-cultural richness that one might find in the work of David Barton and others is not so evident.

Why don't we play with this a bit and see what comes up.  Anyone wiling to try a full definition.

Also, and I realize there's controversy here, the definition of literacy that you or I may be proposing goes a long way beyond reading.

If this issue of definition gets to bogged down I'll drop it for the purposes of the list, but if we are trying to get at some correlating factors contributing to the incidence of adult low literacy there should be at least an implicit definition of the term.

George Demetrion

----- Original Message -----
From: andresmuro at aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2006 4:14 PM
To: cb.king at verizon.net; aaace-nla at lists.literacytent.org
Subject: Re: [AAACE-NLA] a definition

How 'bout: Possessing the communication skills to fully participate in  
all aspects of familiy, education, vocation and community life. This is  
similar to EFF's. I use the word participate rather than function,  
because it implies choice. I use communicate which includes sign  
language for those that cannot speak.

Andres

Please take a look at my artwork: www.geocities.com/andresmuro/art.html
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