Letramento

Letramento is a concept in literacy studies that views literacy as a social practice: the ability to read, write, and communicate in diverse contexts; not only decoding but making meaning in culturally and socially meaningful ways. It includes recognizing genres, features of texts, and how language shapes identity, power, and social participation.

While alfabetização refers to learning to read and write basic symbols and codes, letramento emphasizes the ongoing use of reading and writing across everyday routines and modalities, such as digital media, work, community life, and civic participation. It highlights functional, cultural, and critical dimensions of literacy, and considers language use in varied discourses and social situations.

In education, letramento informs curriculum design by focusing on authentic texts, multimodal literacy, and projects that connect school with real-world practices. It supports multilingual and local literacies, inclusivity, and the idea that literacy development is linked to participation in social life. Teaching strategies often aim to help students navigate different genres, registers, and digital environments.

The term is widely used in Brazil and Portugal, with emphasis on critical literacy and social justice in some currents, influenced by Freirean pedagogy. Critics argue for clear operational definitions and robust assessment frameworks to accompany the concept, ensuring it remains practical for classroom implementation.