In my experience and belief, the general meaning of literacy is to understand the words which are written or spoken. The real meaning is to understand the intent. Being able to listen to a person without judgement. If literacy has a meaning of understanding, it cant be done with just words. It needs observation of several different factors more than words. This is one aspect of communication. (Understanding).

When was exoeriencing certain emotions and want to express it, words are not sufficient for it. Not for me alone, but for any human there are few actions we do unknowingly. Like a mother kissing her kid, that’s an expression which no words can say. A hug, hand gesture, sitting next to someone etc. are few things which are ways of communicating which no words can do. I was in certain situations where I could not communicate in words verbally or written. I felt like I should learn Drawing/ Painting or white board animation or any other form where I can express my thoughts. This is another aspect of communication (Expressing).

So to express or to understand I believe communication shall be multimodal.