From Reading spaces to literate spaces

Abstract

Comparing concepts like literate space and reading space, we consider the hypothesis that they are like hinge concepts that anticipate the change of paradigms in reading. Reading space is a physical concept, linked to institutions like libraries and academic centers, whereas literate space emphasizes the interactions among agents and with media in convergence culture and also in participation. Reading, in its whole social dimension, is analyzed with the categories of the New Literacy Studies. We suggest comparative analysis of different areas as method, for example, the role of the spaces inside the Written Culture, not as simple buildings or facilities, but as spheres able to generate literate environments. All of this implies new ways of sociability, new places and practices, and combining both basic and new literacies. It is revised the concept of literate room and its use in both formal and not formal learning. Along these lines, we emphasize the need of linking reading and writing to entrepreneurship and to new social and cultural practices.