Applen proposes a new definition of literacy from his research about traditional and digital media in his article “Speaking, Writing, and Literacy” which he published in the book Old Media New Media and Knowledge. The reading challenges the assumption that literacy is simply the ability to read and write. Applen assesses literacy as a dynamic educational process which develops throughout a person’s life. The process of building knowledge evolves through shared knowledge creation and distribution between people.
Literacy as More Than Reading and Writing
Applen begins by distinguishing between speaking and writing, emphasizing that oral traditions existed long before written systems. The nature of speech depends on the moment but enables people to interact through its use. The system provides users with immediate access to various vocal elements which include tone and body language and contextual information. Writing creates a separation between people because written words establish a permanent record of thoughts which they can use to create thought that remains in existence after the moment ends. The process of writing which takes spoken words establishes an essential method to transfer knowledge. The preservation of ideas through documentation enables their usage for examination and dispute resolution which leads to new knowledge development across different time periods. The process of literacy development provides people with a cognitive ability which functions as a mental technology. People use this system to transform information into usable knowledge through their thought processes. The system leads to alterations in how people remember information. The system leads to alterations in how people hold power over others. Written words show greater importance than spoken ones because they exist in a permanent form which people can rely on.
The Power of Media in Shaping Knowledge
The main argument of Applen shows that media functions as active elements of knowledge transmission instead of serving as neutral transmission elements. The first phase of media study shows how traditional media establishes a structured sequence that guides viewers through its content. The reader progresses through the text from its starting point until reaching its conclusion. The text displays organized information. The text presents information according to a specific ranking system. People today use digital platforms to evaluate sources and understand information which includes text and graphical content. The definition expands. The definition becomes multimodal. Literacy now requires critical thinking skills that go beyond decoding words on a page.
Redefining Literacy in a Digital Age
Applen ultimately suggests that literacy must be understood as a social and technological practice. The definition of literacy exists as cultural differentials plus technological resources, which define what people consider to be literate. Digital environments allow users to create messages through visual elements, audio content, and hyperlinks together with text paragraphs. The modern world uses digital media for communication, but its primary function exists to build upon existing methods of reading and writing. People need to learn developed communication methods before they can engage today with modern knowledge systems. People need to develop skills to analyze and produce content through various platforms. Applen shows literacy needs assessment through his work because he presents literacy as an active development path instead of a final point. Technology brings about new knowledge development. Society operates through its established social structures. The emergence of new media will bring about fresh transformations.
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