Literacy and Students who are learning a 2nd language

Literacies and Second 1

Literacies and Second Language Learners

The definition of literacy is changing . It now tends to be understood as more than reading and writing . Since the mid 1970 's researchers began to take a fresh look at the concept of literacy one that has to do with how we respond to and understand our world . A broader definition is needed since there is a variety of literacy practices (`literacies ) and social events which should now be taken into account in to improve the outcomes of literacy programs and

activities . In this special attention will be paid to the way in which those `literacies ' need to be developed in to narrow the gap between second language learners and their mainstream peers

Literacy in the singular used to define the tool for producing and understanding written text which cognitivists , school pedagogues or reading specialists aiming at `efficient formal schooling made use of . Statitistics show that many individuals whose literacy falls below par are ethno-linguistic minority groups . Therefore , a lack of cultural sensitivity by those seeing literacy as just a set of technical skills may result in failure when it comes to helping second language learners master their illiteracies . There are multiple `literacies , as there are different ways in which reading and writing are rooted in conceptions of knowledge , identity and being

People 's socio-cultural environment influences the way in which they use their language . Gee (1989 ) distinguishes between primary discourse , used in communication with members of...