Definition of literacy

The term "literacy" first appeared in the English language in the late 18th century. It originated from the Latin word "literatus," meaning "learner" or "literate," which itself derived from the Latin word "littera," meaning "letter" or "character." In its original context, the term "literacy" referred specifically to the ability to read and write in Latin, the language of learning and scholarship at the time. This was a necessary skill for anyone seeking to advance in education or pursue a career in the church, law, or medicine. As education shifted from religious instruction to secular learning during the Enlightenment, the meaning of literacy broadened to include the ability to read and write in any language, not just Latin. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the concept of literacy became increasingly associated with basic skills in reading, writing, and numeracy, as part of a broader movement to improve education and promote social and economic development. Today, literacy is recognized as a critical component of individual and societal success, with access to education and opportunities for lifelong learning considered fundamental human rights. The evolution of the term reflects the changing nature of literacy, from a narrow focus on Latin literacy to a broader recognition of the importance of literacy across all languages and cultures.