Introduction
The new London group (1996) created the term ‘Multiliteracies’ to refer to a theoretical view of language connections between the ever changing social environments. It involves a multi-form of knowledge that includes print, video, images and digital contexts. Mullitiliteracies also emphasizes on the language shift enhanced by cultural and linguistic diversity that affect communications. Other key area of multiliteracies is the new technological influence in communication.
Mulliteracies therefore fall under two categories namely multimodallity and multilinguality. Multimodality can be described as a mixture of textual, visuals and audio modes that conform to other mediums to create a meaning. The use of multiple media to form an artifact that contribute to the effects of different rhetorical situations is explained under multimodality. The terms ‘mode’ and ‘medium’ are not synonymous when discussed in multimodality view. Mode is the cultural and social shaped resource for making a meaning. Mode can be a layout, image, or even a speech. On the other hand, medium refer to the substance in which a meaning is realized and become available to others. Examples of mediums include a text, video and films. a
Multiliguality is concerned with the use of multiple languages by either an individual speaker or community of speakers. Multiligualism trend brings about cultural openness enhanced by the pressure and needs of globalization. The internet facilitates individual exposure to variety of languages. Globalization also carries a vital role to promoting the need of individual to acquire additional multiple languages. It is believed that proficient multilingual people have an opportunity advantage compared to monolinguals in the modern society.
Multiliteracies application to the real world has advanced communication abilities to understanding the world better.
