Re-theorizing Literacy Practices: Complex Social and Cultural Contexts

Moving beyond current theories on literacy practices, this edited collection sheds new light on the complexities inherent to the social, cultural, and ideological contexts in which literacy practices are realized. Building on Brian V. Street’s scholarship, contributors discuss literacy as intrinsically social and ideological, and examine how the theorizing of literacy practices has evolved in recognition of the diverse contexts in which written language is used. Breaking new intellectual and theoretical ground, this book brings together leading literacy scholars to re-examine how educational and sociocultural contexts frame and define literacy events and practices. Drawing from the richness of Brian V. Street’s work, this volume offers insights into fractures, tensions, and developments in literacy for scholars, students, and researchers.

David Bloome is EHE Distinguished Professor of Teaching and Learning at The Ohio State University, USA.

Maria Lucia Castanheira is Professor of Education at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Constant Leung is Professor of Educational Linguistics at King’s College London, UK.

Jennifer Rowsell is Professor and Canada Research Chair and directs the Centre for Multiliteracies in the Faculty of Education, Brock University, Canada.