Illiteracy means when a person cannot read or write. UNESCO defines functional illiteracy as “measured by assessing reading, writing and mathematical skills in the various domains of social life which influence individual identity and insertion into society. From this perspective, literacy involves not only reading and writing but also the acquisition of the skills necessary for effective and productive performance within society” (UNESCO 2011). Of equal relevance is the concept of functional illiteracy, which means an individual may have basic reading, writing and numerical skills but cannot apply them to accomplish tasks that are necessary to make informed choices and participate fully in everyday life. Such tasks may include:

 

• Reading a medicine label
• Reading a nutritional label on a food product
• Balancing a Cheque book
• Filling out a job application
• Reading and responding to correspondence in the workplace
• Filling out a home loan application
• Reading a bank statement
• Comparing the cost of two items to work out which one offers the best value
• Working out the correct change at a supermarket

 

Poor literacy also limits a person's ability to engage in activities that require either critical thinking or a solid base of literacy and numeracy skills. Such activities may include:

 

• Understanding government policies and voting in elections
• Using a computer to do banking or interact with government agencies
• Calculating the cost and potential return of a financial investment
• Using a computer or smart phone to look up and access up-to-date news and information; communicate with others via email or social networking sites; or shop online, read product reviews and user feedback, and get the best prices for goods and services
• Completing a higher education degree or training
• Analysing sophisticated media and advertising messages, particularly for get-rich-quick scams
• Assisting children with their homework