The multiple perspectives on national literacies

Abstract

In their concluding chapter the editors of this book, Stephanie Fox and Lukas Boser, reflect on the main arguments and key take-aways presented in each of the book’s chapters. Additionally, based on Micheal Billig’s remarks on gap finding, and gap addressing in scientific research, Fox and Boser also ask what new or hitherto ignored research gaps were identified and probably also addressed by the chapters’ authors. Eventually Fox and Boser argue that, although the book’s 15 chapters do not result in an encompassing theory of ‘national literacies,’ this is not to be seen as a failure. In fact, presenting a new theory has never been the editors nor Daniel Tröhler’s main intention. The concept of ‘national literacies,’ as presented by Tröhler in 2018, was meant to spark curiosity that would lead to more thorough, in-depth, and detailed understanding of the historical nexus of education, nations, and nationalism. In this regard, Fox and Boser conclude, the book is a success.