ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the applied linguistics of literacy – the written forms of language and associated practices developed by readers and writers. It discusses the literacy with an examination of how scope and definitions of the term have expanded in recent years. The chapter considers the role written language has played in the historical development of human societies; the social or collective development of contemporary human communities; and literacy as developed and used by children and adults individually and in groups. Health Literacy goes beyond a narrow concept of health education and individual behaviour-oriented communication, and addresses the environmental, political and social factors that determine health. The chapter also discusses literacy from the vantage points of childhood and adulthood, considering how reading and writing are developed and used before and after puberty. The penultimate section is devoted to a consideration of literacy and academic achievement, including assessment issues.
