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Jake Herron
Nancy Roche
Writing 1010-013
8 October 2014
Barton and Hamilton
Literacy is something that everyone is involved in. It affects us and surrounds us whether
we are aware of it or not. Different forms of literacy occur in different social situations or
domains. Literacy can be identified in any situation by those involved. Literacy practices are
different from literacy itself. Literacy practices are what people do with literacy (Barton &
Hamilton 7). It is often thought that literacy is strictly visual, however it includes values,
attitudes and feelings as well (7). Literacy practices are what shape society and bring people
together today.
Literacy practices are broken down into six main propositions that help explain it a little
better. The first proposition listed states, Literacy is best understood as a set of social practices;
these can be inferred from events which are mediated by written texts (8). There are different
situations in which literacy practices can be identified in situations. Places where literacy
practices are being found all the time are in certain domains. A domain is a setting in which
literacy practices apply to those involved in the specific domain. For example, a domain that
applies to everyone is the domain set in their home. We spend time at home with others and are
constantly surrounded by literacy practices such as writing, reading, and speech with those
present.
Literacy practices are very adaptable to each domain. If a domain changes, the literacy
practices will still be there and identifiable to those involved in the domain (14). The domains

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are constantly affected by the people in the domain, time, and other occurrences (14). Most
literacy practices are more identifiable with groups of people or large communities rather than
individuals. Domains are where those large group of people practice literacy socially.
There are different literacies associated with different domains of life (8). As
previously stated, domains play a major role in the way literacy is presented to us. In other
domains such as school, or a work place, literacy is played out differently. Literacy practices that
are more involved in writing may be used in school or another domain where writing is
dominant. In a work place, literacy practices can vary according to that work place. One
individuals work place can have an entirely different setting from someone elses work place,
changing as time goes on. The practices can be expressed through a number of different ways; in
school and work places the presence of other people affects the domain and how the literacy
practices are expressed.
Literacy practices are seen heavily through individuals socializing. Barton and Hamilton
state that People can be involved in literacy practices without reading or writing a single word
(13). There are those people in domains that can practice literacy just by simply observing as
others socialize and communicate with one another. Those that observe are interpreting the
practice in their own way by thinking about what is being said and taking away information that
they find meaningful.
Literacy practices occur anywhere an individual is present. They occur in domains are
viewed differently to each individual. Social events and other gatherings present literacy
practices to the individuals in that domain. The practices are expressed through speech, reading,
writing, personal thoughts and more. Each domain and time period has its own specific literacy
practice that is unique to the given domain. Throughout time our own domains will change,

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along with the literacy practices. Although our lives change, literacy will always adapt and be a
part of our lives.