What Literacy Means Essay Example for Free

What Literacy Means EssayFor me literacy is very important and has a re all(prenominal)y unafraid imp make up in my life. When I was a kid I remember my father always telling me the more you know the better it is. I never really understood what he meant nor did I remunerate that much attention. I essential admit that I was pretty rebellious back in those days, I wanted to be independent, I dropped out college in my freshman year, started partying, binge drinking, to sum it up I barely didnt wanted to listen or take any advice from my parents or the race that cared for me. They sawing machine the mistakes I was making and the destructive path I was heading to, it was like they were foreseeing the future. It wasnt until I left(a) my country (Dominican Republic) to live in the united states that I understood what they were trying to tell me, out all the advice they gave me I could only remember the say that my father used to tell me. Society has proven m and succession aga in, it leave reward those individuals who are competent and impede those who are not, whether expressed in call of employment opportunities (job success) or just on a social level.One needs look no further than their everyday activities in order to realize how important literacy is. Without adequate literary skills one may not be able to identify on a label the correct amount of medicate to give a child, or read and interpret a sign giving commissions on what to do in case of a fire. These two examples bring perspective to literacys importance. Nevertheless, recent surveys have indicated that, 4. 5 million Canadians, representing 24 percent of the eighteen-and-over group, can be considered illiterate (Adult Illiteracy 5).Illiteracy is truly a problem within Canada. Although some groups are working to render the problem of illiteracy, much work thus far lies ahead. As our society moves on into the next century literacy is proving vital to frugal performance. Without basic lit erary skills in ones possession they leave alone become lost in our rapidly ever-changing society. The modern worker must be able to adapt to the changing job-scene. This often means gathering new skills and knowledge from printed material, whether instruction manuals, computer programs, or classroom training (text books).It is quite commonly the case that highly skilled jobs rent a high level of literacy. Therefore, literary skill level is an important factor in predicting an individuals economic success. It will affect an individuals income, their employment stability and whether they even receive employment opportunities. Presently, our world revolves around literacy. scarce being literate allows one to continuously upgrade ones literary skills to a higher level. It allows one to bear on informed of happenings in and around the world through mediums such as newspapers and magazines.Knowing incumbent news about what is going on in this ever changing world of ours is the key to staying ahead. Another survey to ponder is this, we rely on those with high literacy levels to record and document findings and happenings for future generations to reflect on. These writings would nigh likely be dull and inaccurate or would not exist at all without our online levels of literacy. When viewed from a social standpoint, literacy remains just as important as when viewed from the economic standpoint.Linda Macleod of the National Associations vigorous in Criminal Justice, points out that, 65 percent of people entering Canadian prisons for the first time have trouble reading and writing, low literacy is part of a constellation of problems that can limit choices in life and thus lead people to criminal activity (20). Somebody in possession of a high level of literacy will most likely be well informed and tend to compensate wiser decisions. By obtaining this level of literacy they have also gathered a large vocabulary giving those many words to choose from to express their ideas and feelings.Conversely, many would agree that a conversation with one who has a well-behaved grasp of the English language is always more delightful than with one who is less educated. Literacy can act as a window, opening ones view to the world. Presently, we are being bombarded with selective information, news, trivia and gossip (not that this is always a positive feature in our lives). Without capable literary skills one cannot even absorb any of this information. These people will miss out on many of lifes benefits, socially as well as economically.Without sufficient literary skills one would have a tremendously difficult time exerciseing in our current world. Think about your average day, consider how many times you refer to your literary skills to aid you, could you function without those skills? Finding an address, reading a map, reading a menu, performing a bank transaction, these are just a few common tasks that require your literary skills. Also, when loo king at the importance of literacy to our nation, its value is evident. mellow levels of literacy throughout all sectors of Canadas workforce are necessary, lowliteracy levels of workers affect Canadas ability to perform in the progressively competitive international marketplace (Literacy 7). Literary skills become building blocks. By first creating a educated society, then a highly skilled labor force which can compete and adapt to the changing market.These factors lead to an increase in economic growth within the nation which in turn, results in a higher standard of living for its people. As our society moves forward into the future, a higher level of literacy will become more important to ones level of success.Where would our society be without our ability to exchange knowledge and information? How many times have you made a purchase that read on the outside instructions inside? You and I think nothing of this, and in a sense take our gift for granted. For many, deciphering s cripted instructions is a near impossible task, asking for assistance does little more than to further begin their self esteem. Literacy is important. To truly seize the benefits possible in ones life it has to be accepted that literacy is the key. Society will continue to reward skilled individuals and disadvantage those who are not.