The Role and Importance of Writing in Diverse Contexts

3.0 Body

3.1 Language and Technology Context

Writing began roughly 25,000-30,000 years BP and started off as cave drawings that represented objects which evolved into these pictures demonstrating thoughts before evolving into symbols to represent sounds (Kilmon, n.d). Winch, Ross Johnston, March, Ljungdahl, and Holliday (2010) supported this idea taking if further by specifying terms for these evolving developments of writing being Pictogram, Ideogram and Logograms and perceiving these pictures and symbols as a way of means to pass on information which is used still in today’s modern world with such vast amounts of technology devices available.

STEPS (2005) claim that writers wish to make a good impression for the audiences and so purposefully chose the technology devices that are usually influenced by social and cultural groups they are a part of. In contrast, Winch et al. (2010) suggested the choice of technology used in writing comes down to what keyboard skills and computer programs students are taught in schools to be multi-literate and students’ familiarization of the internet and current computer games played throughout society today.

The mode of communication used in writing comes down to the situation and culture.

With the introduction to writing and technology Gee & Hayes (2011) questioned whether technology was in fact causing more problems or assisting writing today. Winch et al. (2010) perceived technology as an asset to improve an author’s writing by offering a variety of sources providing information in less time and in a more appealing way which if all used cautiously may result in a better piece of writing.

3.2 Situational and Socio-cultural Contexts

Situational context

The purpose for writing, subject m...

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Winch et al. (2010) perceived writing as a way of expressing feelings and emotions hence encouraging meaningful learning through deeper thoughts. STEPS (2005) specified positive ways of encouraging this through ensuring subjects are interesting and meaningful to engage interest and provide better understanding and involvement.

The responsibility of teaching and developing writing falls on teachers because writing is an essential component in our culture today (Winch et al, (2010). STEPS (2005) lists supportive theories to assist in addressing students writing needs through social engagement of sharing and discussing throughout the process of writing and ensuring content relate to familiar experiences to achieve the best results. Winch et al. (2010) added to this by suggesting changes be offered more frequently to practice writing more freely.

4.0 Conclusion