Final answer:
Oral language development, vocabulary enrichment, and verbal-reasoning skills are important to literacy, which is a critical aspect of adult literacy and encompasses various forms of communication. These skills enable better understanding and competence in both academic and everyday scenarios, influenced by social, cultural, and environmental factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oral language development, vocabulary enrichment, and verbal-reasoning skills are important to literacy. These elements are essential as they lay the groundwork for reading comprehension, writing proficiency, and effective communication, which are vital competencies in academic and everyday life. For example, oral language development aids students in understanding the nuances of spoken words, while vocabulary enrichment allows for a broader and more precise expression of ideas. Verbal-reasoning skills enable individuals to analyze and construct logical arguments, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Adult literacy is profoundly influenced by early literacy experiences and continuous learning, wherein social, cultural, or environmental factors play significant roles. Literacy is not limited to reading and writing but extends to various forms of communication such as digital, musical, and visual literacies as well. Proficiency in literacy is not only crucial for individual success but also for participating in larger community and societal dialogues.
Literacy involves active engagement with others, as exemplified by Helen Keller's storyline, who gained access to language through finger spelling, setting her on the path to numerous other literacies. In education, the goal is to foster real competence by tying what is learned to its relevance in students' own lives. The narrative surrounding literacy should reflect the myriad of influences that shape it, including the social understanding imparted by literature that aligns with the fundamental elements of being human. Overall, schools function as platforms for manifest functions such as learning to read and write, which are foundational to a student's future academic and professional successes.