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Language is essential in humans' lives as it permeates through every activity. We think in a language, and obviously communicate in it. It should therefore be of no surprise that a question of what impact literacy has on learning science presents itself.
The importance of science, on the other hand, stems from a simple observable fact, that any phenomenon is governed by the principles which are discovered, understood and described in a scientific method, through language. Since no human being can be removed from the surrounding world, it seems only prudent that understanding of science is of paramount importance for our lives to become meaningful and not left to chance.
To understand the world, we need at least minimum scientific knowledge, and that can be only achieved through language (Wellington & Osborne, 2001).
Science and literacy are interlinked. Every aspect of scientific endeavour is described through language, and one's proficiency in using language can be substantially enhanced via literacy. Although no hope is lost for adults (Bennett, Diamond, Krech, & Rosenzweig, 1964), the earlier the learning process begins, the better - since children have most time available at their disposal it comes naturally to be concerned with their early education in both literacy and science, as study shows a close dependence of scientific understanding on literacy skills: "The ability to learn from subject matter textbooks (·) is a mark of one's independence as a literate person" (Glynn & Muth, 1994).
As far as language is concerned, four main aspects can be identified that comprise the language skills (Hoyle & Stone, 2000), namely: listening, writing, speaking and reading.
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All four must go hand in hand to make a communicative person that can also become scientifically literate.
Some propose that literacy skills "·should be developed within science lessons.", but fortunately also observe, that "·science has its own distinct vocabulary and technical terms.", and that students should become familiar with using these terms in the right context (Sorensen & Sears, 2000). The same author (Sears, 2000) also suggest an approach termed 'science for daily life' and emphasizes that since people are surrounded by 'science', an understanding in a political and ethical context is necessary - especially in the advent of new technologies.
Some surprising findings are described in National Literacy Trust report (National Literacy Trust, 2012). There, it is pointed out that as many as a sixth of adults struggle with literacy and display a "level below that of an 11-year old". They link levels of achievement with the level of deprivation but also emphasize as "urgent and essential" the promotion of literacy across the secondary curriculum.
As mentioned by Halliday and Feez (Feez & Quinn, 2017; Halliday & Martin, 1993): "One of the most important pieces of technology used by scientists, and one that is often overlooked, is language". "Much of the work of scientific inquiry involves close and systematic observation and classification of natural phenomena, as well as experimentation to investigate cause and effect and develop hypotheses demanding further investigation".
Similar claims are supported by both authors despite being published almost 25 years apart. It points at certain trends in the educational system that is challenging for the society, as Trefil exposes: "Most educators' attention has been focused on finding ways to improve the national supply of technically competent men and women. Trying to provide citizens who are scientific literate, so they can participate in a meaningful way in public debates." (Trefil, 2008).
The importance of literacy for scientific literacy emerges from literature. The growing demand from teachers to take part in pupils' preparation means, that: "There are many difficulties that teacher will have to understand, reflect on and move forward. One of the major one is literacy skills." (Sorensen & Sears, 2000).
The current paper will review what is in literature is meant by being scientific literacy, reasons why language is identified as important in science and present some ideas how the problem can be approached.
Why Language is Essential in Humans' Lives?. (2019, Nov 23). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/why-language-is-essential-in-humans-lives-essay
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