What is the Difference Between Literacy and Literature?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between literacy and literature lies in their definitions and the roles they play in language and communication. Here are the key distinctions between the two:
- Literacy: Literacy refers to the ability to read and write a language to a certain extent. It is considered an indicator of human development and is fundamental for understanding and communicating in the modern world. Being literate means having the ability to read and write at an accepted level of competency, which is essential for various aspects of life, such as education, employment, and personal development.
- Literature: Literature, on the other hand, refers to written works of art of a language, encompassing various genres such as poetry, drama, novels, and short stories. It is cerebral and visceral, thriving on ambiguity and nuance, and is meant to be enjoyed and appreciated for its aesthetic and intellectual value. Literature is both the foundation of human knowledge and the record of human experience, and it serves as a means of connecting to the shared heritage of mankind.
In summary, literacy is the ability to read and write, while literature is the art of reading and writing that explores human knowledge and experience. Literacy is a fundamental skill necessary for success in many areas of life, whereas literature is a form of art that can be appreciated and enjoyed for its intellectual and aesthetic value.
Comparative Table: Literacy vs Literature
Here is a table that highlights the differences between literacy and literature:
| Feature | Literacy | Literature |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Literacy is the ability to decode text and produce text to make meaning. It involves the mechanics of reading and writing. | Literature is a body of work that transmits culture, including written, oral, and visual forms. It can be classified into different forms and genres. |
| Purpose | Literacy enables individuals to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, and compute using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. | Literature is used to transmit culture and can include stories told in oral tradition, visual literature (such as drama), and written works. |
| Forms | - Digital literacy - Critical literacy - Community-based literacies |
Major forms of literature include nonfiction prose, fiction prose, poetry, drama, and folktales. |
| Examples | - Reading and understanding a newspaper article - Writing an email - Using digital tools to find and evaluate information |
- Novels, short stories, and poetry - Plays and dramas - Folktales and myths |
In summary, literacy refers to the ability to read, write, and compute using various forms of text, while literature encompasses a wide range of written, oral, and visual works that transmit culture and can be classified into different forms and genres.
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