What is literacy?

I think literacy is being able to read, write and communicate. In another class I heard someone say "communication is a way of life". This goes right along with the article I read in class. Which said literacy is always changing. In other words it is an everchanging way of life too. I think the definition of literacy is always changing, just like my article mentioned. I was thinking about the first peoples and how they communicated. They tallked and orally shared stories (literacy) but didn't write or read (also part of literacy). Eventually people were talking, reading and writing (though only on paper with pencil.) So now people from all parts of the world can share stories, information etc, with the click of a button. I think we are doing the same things as the first peoples, just in different ways. I'm not sure about there being "new literacies" now with the introduction of new technologies? But I do think that there are many literacies. Such as the things mentioned in the discussion question as well as art & music literacies. I think as an educator we are incredibly responsible for teaching children to be able to communicate, using whatever technology or resources are available at the time.