SIGNIFICANCE OF LITERACY IN HUMAN CIVILIZATION

Literacy can be defined as an ability to read and write at least one language with understanding. In simple words, if you can write and read the language that you speak, you will be considered a literate person. Literacy is an essential aspect of education and gaining knowledge. An illiterate person falls short of many things that the education industry has to offer.

In order to succeed in modern life, your career, and improve your quality of life, it is vital to have good literacy skills. It is more than just being able to read, but rather how you use written information to function in modern society. We can all agree that being able to read and write effect our daily live in so many ways. It has an impact on the way we think, career progress and earning potential, and helps us to fit into our environment and social circles.

So why is literacy considered to be so important? How is it a detrimental factor in the development of society and the prosperity of an individual? Literacy is one of the most fundamental elements of education. Literacy is not simply the ability to read and write, but rather the ability to use these skills and communicate effectively. In modern society and our globalized world, literacy is far more diverse that simply reading a book and understanding what we have read. Digital literacy, for example, is the ability to understand and use information across multiple formats from computers to the internet and cell phones. Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in a variety of forms. Cultural literacy is the ability to understand and appreciate other cultures. It requires a person to examine and understand the different beliefs, values and traditions of others.

Having a population with high literacy skills also helps a country as a whole and improved the ability of a nation to tackle different social challenges it faces. Literacy produces a skilled workforce, which has a positive impact on the economy of the country. They can access and generate more jobs and services for other people.

Literacy is a fundamental human right and the basis for any individual’s ability to learn. It is essential for social and human development and provides individual the skills and empowers them to transform their lives, in turn, an improved standard of health and ability to earn a higher income.