Critical Literacy - Classroom 2.02024-03-29T00:12:47Zhttps://www.classroom20.com/forum/topics/critical-literacy?feed=yes&xn_auth=no(from the beginning of my Cri…tag:www.classroom20.com,2009-12-16:649749:Comment:4208202009-12-16T01:36:11.201ZLeigh Newtonhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/LeighNewton
(from the beginning of my Critical Language Awareness course notes by Hilary Janks from South Africa)<br />
<br />
Introduction<br />
Critical Language Awareness (CLA) is an approach to language teaching<br />
based on a critical sociocultural theory of language and critical discourse analysis.<br />
This theory argues that the use of language is a form of social practice and that<br />
all social practices are embedded in specific sociohistorical contexts where<br />
existing social relations are reproduced or contested and where…
(from the beginning of my Critical Language Awareness course notes by Hilary Janks from South Africa)<br />
<br />
Introduction<br />
Critical Language Awareness (CLA) is an approach to language teaching<br />
based on a critical sociocultural theory of language and critical discourse analysis.<br />
This theory argues that the use of language is a form of social practice and that<br />
all social practices are embedded in specific sociohistorical contexts where<br />
existing social relations are reproduced or contested and where different interests<br />
are served. CLA is particularly concerned with the relationship between<br />
language and power — with the way discourse is policed (Foucault, 1970: 120);<br />
with the way variety in language is suppressed and unity emphasised (Bourdieu,<br />
1991); with the way all discourse is positioned in the struggle to represent<br />
(re-present) different versions of the world as legitimate (Fairclough, 1989, 1995);<br />
with the power of discourse to construct subjectivity (Gee, 1990).<br />
<br />
_________<br />
If I was forced to summarise I would say: Critical Literacy is about empowering students to see where power lies in the text and who has/has not a voice in the text. It's about understanding how language is used to persuade and conscript us to various causes. It is essential for a populace of a democracy to have a critical understanding of language if they are to be more than pawns in the game of electoral cycles.<br />
<br />
This is a big question with big answers.