The concepts of literacy and of health literacy have been evolving and broadening, and interest in the connections between the two has been growing. However, the scope of practices related to health literacy in the health fields and in the adult literacy education field have remained fairly static. There are indicators that in the current decade, there may be more movement to consolidate our knowledge, to form partnerships and to integrate literacy and health initiatives. In this paper, I first want to develop a discussion about the links between literacy and health as they are currently represented in the discourse communities of the medical profession and of adult literacy. The definition of the terms 'literacy' and 'health literacy' underpins the research carried out in these communities and the policies and practices recommended in each. After comparing the positions taken by the medical field and the adult literacy field, and examining some selected government policies, I will outline some directions for the future.
Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner.
Conference papers are indexed from
TD/TNC 79.354 to TD/TNC 79.363.
