homework#3

In order to define the word “literacy”, the author use the word “discourse” as a “identity kit” to explain and help us to understand “literacy”. Because the author thinks that there is a strong connection between the discourse and literacy.

Firstly, form the author's view discourse means “the appropriate costume and instructions on how to act and talk so as to take a particular role that others will recognize”. (Gee P 257) Discourse includes primary discourse and secondary discourse. After that the author shows five deeper points about what discourse is and what qualities discourse has.

Then author points out that literacy in some parts is like discourse, literacy is the control of secondary discourse. By making a level of using language such as first use of language and secondary use of language authors point out her ideas that “literacy is control of secondary uses of language” which means literacy is not just basic skill of understanding and speaking, it should be in a higher level and used in a formal condition. Author also shows an argument about whether leaning view is better or acquisition view is better. She points out that acquisition view is a better way for studying however we always study more throughout the learning view. In the end of debate, she provides how this two ways work in real world. She concludes that we always use both ways to study and transfer from this way to another in different condition. In the end of the article, as a linguists, the author exhibit some suggestions about learning an acquisition a language.