What is the ability to read, write, and function in a given language known as?

The term that describes the ability to read, write, and effectively function in a given language is literacy. Literacy encompasses not only the ability to read and write but also the skills required to comprehend and engage with written content in various contexts. This foundational skill is essential for effective communication, education, and access to information in today’s society.

Numeracy refers specifically to the ability to work with numbers and perform mathematical calculations rather than language skills. Fluency often pertains to the ease and smoothness of speaking or writing in a language but does not inherently include the ability to read and write proficiently. Proficiency generally refers to a higher level of skill or competence in a subject but does not specifically define the basic abilities of reading and writing. Thus, literacy is the most accurate term in this context.