95 2 Communication Critical literacy – the ability to ask questions Critical literacy might sound like something they teach in universities, but it is actually an essential part of being able to read well. If we break down the term, its meaning becomes a little clearer. Literacy is simply the ability to read and write. To be critical can mean a few different things, but here it is about analysing something so you can form a judgement. Critical literacy is the ability to analyse what you read and write. Part of your analysis is of possible biases — other people’s and your own. Perspectives You see, every time we read or write something — no matter what that might be — we are doing that from our own particular perspective. Our identity — gender, nationality, class, language, job, and family — and our life experiences shape the ways we think about the world, communicate all our thoughts and read what is around us. They are like the lenses in a pair of glasses through which we see everything. further reading Before reading What might critical literacy mean? Break up the term to discuss possible definitions. essential – nauðsynlegt an ability – hæfileiki to form a judgement – mynda sér skoðun a bias – fordómar gender – kyn to shape – móta a lens – linsa
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