Multiple and New Literacies

This first chapter in Knobel & Lankshear's New Literacies Sampler addressed the traditional concept of literacy as well as the more modern concept of multiple literacies and new literacies. I chose this graphic because it seems to illustrate the idea that literacy does not stand in isolation. Multiple literacies exist because there are countless factors that influence the forms in which literacy manifests itself. When I think of the word literate, being able to read and write is what directly comes to mind. But literacies are so much more than that. Every type of verbal, written, and visual communication are forms of literacy. And we develop/practice these literacies based on our interactions with our family, friends, peers, and the ever-changing world around us. 

The concept of "new literacies" was somewhat foreign to me before reading this text. Although I can understand how technology relates to literacies, it was difficult for me to grasp the idea that things like video game design and using photoshop are also considered to be literacies. In order to make sense of this, I had to reexamine the authors' definition for "new literacies," which is something that involves new technology as well as new ethos. I believe the new technology part is easy enough to comprehend, however the new ethos is what makes this term so tricky. I believe the authors are arguing that part of what is allowing for the emergence of new literacies is a shift in societal  attitudes. Whereas conventional literacies were more individualized and centered on the author, new literacies embrace collaboration and free access. I believe this new literacies shift is allowing more people to express themselves in more ways that ever before possible.