What Is Language Literacy and Why Is It Important?

Language literacy is crucial for the development of knowledge and understanding in all other subject areas. It is also linked to better memory and thinking skills. From an individual point of view, this type of literacy gives people lifelong advantages over those who have not mastered them. Together with other skills, it is a key asset for employment opportunities, well-being and lifelong learning (Cedefop, 2020, p. 5). And they are the engines of economies on which modern societies rely for better competitiveness and higher general well-being. 

On the one hand, language is a carrier of culture and connects people to their roots, historical past and identity. On the other hand, a good command of language is among the skills of the future because it enables the understanding, use and comprehension of texts, and thus broadens horizons, judgment and critical thinking skills, and also includes the ability to express oneself, to formulate, share and debate ideas. Language thus becomes a bridge between the past and the future. Enhancing language literacy preserves the authenticity of culture while enabling people and societies to live better in the future.