Wiley-Blackwell Literacy: An Introduction to the Ecology of Written Language

This introduction to the expanding field of literacy studies has been fully revised for the second edition. It explores recent developments and new research that has contributed to our understanding of literacy practices, reflecting on the interdisciplinary growth of the study of reading and writing over the past decade. An introductory textbook on the growing field of literacy studies, fully updated for the new edition Includes new sections detailing recent completed studies of literacy practices, and the use of new technologies Distinguishes between the competing definitions of literacy in contemporary society, and examines the language and learning theories which underpin new views of literacy Now features additional material on cross-cultural perspectives, US-based examples, and information detailing current educational policy. Review "David Barton is a major player in the rapidly expanding field of literacy studies. In the first edition of Literacy, he brought to the attention of new audiences the research and approaches to literacy signalled by terms such as 'social practice', 'ethnographic', 'situated', and 'embedded' literacies. His own 'ecological' approach provides a coherent and insightful way of bringing together such understandings across many fields. This book will be an invaluable companion to all of those interested in literacy - policy makers, teachers, academics, and journalists - and it will continue to challenge many of the dominant stereotypes with which they otherwise have to work." Brian V. Street, King's College London "I have profited in my own thinking about literacy from this book... It is a marvellous achievement." Michael Cole, University of Californina, San Diego (of the previous edition) From the Inside Flap Exploring recent developments and new research that have contributed to our understanding of literacy practices, this book provides a rounded introduction to the growing field of literacy studies. David Barton reflects on the interdisciplinary growth of the study of reading and writing over the past decade, distinguishing between the competing definitions of literacy in contemporary society, and examining the language and learning theories which underpin them. Since the publication of the first edition there have been many detailed studies of literacy practices in different settings. This second edition brings the book up to date by summarizing this new research, and showing how it has contributed to our understanding of literacy. The second edition now features a new section on how literacy research is carried out, and explores the use of new technologies. Additional material on cross-cultural perspectives, extensive references to new research, and information detailing current educational policy are also included. From the Back Cover Exploring recent developments and new research that have contributed to our understanding of literacy practices, this book provides a rounded introduction to the growing field of literacy studies. David Barton reflects on the interdisciplinary growth of the study of reading and writing over the past decade, distinguishing between the competing definitions of literacy in contemporary society, and examining the language and learning theories which underpin them. Since the publication of the first edition there have been many detailed studies of literacy practices in different settings. This second edition brings the book up to date by summarizing this new research, and showing how it has contributed to our understanding of literacy. The second edition now features a new section on how literacy research is carried out, and explores the use of new technologies. Additional material on cross-cultural perspectives, extensive references to new research, and information detailing current educational policy are also included. About the Author David Barton is Professor of Language and Literacy and Dir