skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Functional Funk!
In a functional funk with writing...just as well Mrs Smith will let me talk it out. Plus, I have drawing and zig-zags up my sleeve!
Functional approaches to literacy are concerned with the 'how to' aspects of communicating through different language types (linguistic, visual, gestural etc.). Different language types embody unique systems of signs, symbols, codes and conventions - otherwise known as 'semiotic systems'. Successful interpretation or construction of meaning requires knowledge of and skills in using the semiotic systems that govern the mode of literacy one intends to engage (Anstey & Bull, 2004, pp. 5-6). In other words; one must know the formal conventions of a type of language to use it effectively, be it visual, verbal, gestural or otherwise. For example, correct spelling and grammar are basic conventions used in standard English writing. If one was to consider speaking in standard English (still a linguistic mode of literacy, though operating through a different 'macro skill') emphasis on particular linguistic conventions are different. Obviously poor spelling will not affect speech in the way that understanding of syntax will (the semiotic system governing sentence structure).
To compare my early personal experiences with what I am learning about functional literacies at university makes sense of my memories and reinforces the content of the 'literacies' course. My memories from kindergarten, as accessed through the story books, convincingly suggests that I was more competent in communicating verbally than I was through writing. The three examples on this post serve as evidence of this. As I remember Mrs Smith would sit down with me and I would talk out the story. My conversations with her helped her determine the words I was trying to write. From there she could correct my mistakes by inserting the words and proper spelling, as we can see. However, it was not only in what I said that revealed the broken details in the written text, it was also in what I drew.
The example in my next post really illuminates my last point!! While the text says "My favourite story is Aladdin and there is a snake in it." The pictures tell much more of the story.Check out the youtube clip below (0:50 onwards) taken from the Aladdin movie to see really just how much detail I was communicating through my drawings. So excited that I found this and could link it to the image!!
In a functional funk with writing...just as well Mrs Smith will let me talk it out. Plus, I have drawing and zig-zags up my sleeve!
Functional approaches to literacy are concerned with the 'how to' aspects of communicating through different language types (linguistic, visual, gestural etc.). Different language types embody unique systems of signs, symbols, codes and conventions - otherwise known as 'semiotic systems'. Successful interpretation or construction of meaning requires knowledge of and skills in using the semiotic systems that govern the mode of literacy one intends to engage (Anstey & Bull, 2004, pp. 5-6). In other words; one must know the formal conventions of a type of language to use it effectively, be it visual, verbal, gestural or otherwise. For example, correct spelling and grammar are basic conventions used in standard English writing. If one was to consider speaking in standard English (still a linguistic mode of literacy, though operating through a different 'macro skill') emphasis on particular linguistic conventions are different. Obviously poor spelling will not affect speech in the way that understanding of syntax will (the semiotic system governing sentence structure).
No comments:
Post a Comment