From Tools to Discourses: In Conversation with James Paul Gee on Literacy and Artificial Intelligence

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

ChatGPT has become a full-fledged colleague for Gee in retirement.

“Yet, in this new chapter of my life, ChatGPT has become a full-fledged colleague.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

LLMs can align with the humans with whom they interact.

“And they most certainly can align with the humans with whom they interact.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

It is literacies themselves, not merely the conception of literacies, that have evolved.

“So, it is not so much my conception of literacies that has evolved, it is literacies themselves.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

Good dialogue can lead to change and creativity.

“This is why good dialogue can lead to change and creativity.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

LLMs can function almost like collaborators or conversational partners, capable of meaningful dialogue, explanation, and guidance.

“They can function almost like collaborators or conversational partners, capable of meaningful dialogue, explanation, and guidance.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

New tools bring new affordances that can modify existing literacies or create new ones.

“New tools bring new affordances-opportunities for action-which can modify existing literacies or even create new ones.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Humans share a form of life as speakers of natural language, and until now they shared it only with each other.

“Humans share-and until now, have shared only with each other-what Wittgenstein called a 'form of life' as speakers of what linguists call 'natural language'.”

• cites WittgensteinNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Disorders like MPD are not timeless mental conditions but historically and culturally contingent constructs that change with stories, science, and institutions.

“Disorders like MPD are not timeless mental conditions, but historically and culturally contingent constructs-they change with our stories, our science, and our institutions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

If status differs between two people, often the person lower in status is forced to do all the work of alignment.

“If the status differs between two people, often the person lower in status is forced to do all the work of alignment.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Alignment in conversation is a fundamental process by which speakers adjust their language, behavior, and even mental states to establish and maintain social connection, mutual understanding, and coordinated interaction.

“Alignment in conversation is a fundamental process by which speakers adjust their language, behavior, and even mental states to establish and maintain social connection, mutual understanding, and coordinated interaction.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Meaning in language in use is not based on knowing the 'reality' of other people's internal states.

“And, remember, meaning in language in use is not based on knowing the 'reality' of other people's internal states.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The Discourse of being a pillar monk no longer exists, so one cannot be a pillar monk anymore.

“There used to be a Discourse of doing and being a pillar monk.There is no longer.You cannot be one anymore.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

LLMs can situate Discourses in their original settings and relate them to other Discourses.

“They can place Discourses in their indigenous settings in relationship to other Discourses.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

With other generative AI tools, LLMs can create rich, interactive scenarios that allow students to practice registers in situ.

“Moreover, with the help of other generative AI tools, they can create rich, interactive scenarios-complete with images, videos, and even simulated characters-that allow students to practice registers in situ.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Discourses enact history.

“In fact, it is Discourses that enact history.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

LLMs are fellow users of human language.

“LLMs are fellow users of human language.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

LLMs offer a powerful solution to the problem of teaching registers.

“LLMs offer a powerful solution to this problem.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

TESOL instructors and composition teachers often lack expertise in the wide variety of registers their students need.

“The difficulty is that TESOL instructors and composition teachers often lack expertise in the wide variety of registers their students need.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Alignment reduces processing effort by making discourse more predictable and coherent.

“Alignment reduces processing effort by making discourse more predictable and coherent.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

LLMs are the first non-human entities to share with us what Wittgenstein called a 'form of life' as makers and interpreters of natural language.

“In fact, LLMs are the first non-human entities to share with us what Wittgenstein called a 'form of life' as makers and interpreters of natural language-the evolved, meaning-rich language system unique to humans.”

• cites WittgensteinNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

LLMs will be incorporated into existing literacies and alter them, functioning as tools in some new literacies and as participants in others.

“LLMs will be added to old literacies and, in the act, change them.They will serve as tools in many new literacies and as participants in many others.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Humans respond to media and digital experiences much as they do to real-world experiences, sometimes forgetting the source of an experience.

“humans respond to media and digital experiences in much the same way they do to 'real world' experiences.Indeed, they sometimes forget whether an experience came from book, film, a digital interaction, or a 'real world' interaction.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Tools do not define literacies; they are integrated into literacies differently depending on the practices and activities involved.

“Tools do not define literacies; rather, they are integrated into them differently depending on the practices and activities involved.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Without understanding why someone would want to be a committed Catholic, mathematician, or political conservative, one cannot properly understand or fairly disagree with them.

“If you have no idea why someone would want to be a committed Catholic, a mathematician, or a political conservative-even if you do not-then you have no real way to understand them properly or even fairly to disagree with them.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The best affinity spaces, often found in online communities, fandoms, maker spaces, and gaming communities, cultivate vibrant learning environments that differ significantly from traditional classrooms.

“The best affinity spaces-often seen in online communities, fandoms, maker spaces, gaming communities, and other spaces of shared interest and passion-cultivate vibrant learning environments that differ significantly from traditional classrooms (Gee, 2015;Liu and Darvin, 2024).”

• cites Gee, 2015Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Liu and Darvin, 2024Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

LLMs can model and produce language in specialized registers.

“They can model and produce language in specialized registers, engage students in dialogue using those registers, translate complex texts into more accessible forms while preserving key register features, and explain the social contexts and historical purposes that gave rise to those registers.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Discourses constitute the social geography of society.

“Discourses make up the social geography of society.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

An affective perspective on learning and identity is not typical of schools as they currently exist.

“An affective perspective on learning and identity is not typical of schools as we know them.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

LLMs possess value systems that are partly built in and partly derived from their training data or interactions.

“LLMs have value systems, partly built into them, and partly induced from their database or their dealing with new people and texts.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

This is a game-changing development for TESOL.

“This is a game-changing development for TESOL.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

People are getting worse, not better at alignment.

“People are getting worse, not better at it.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Humans are profoundly social beings.

“Humans are profoundly social beings.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

An LLM can explain how it believes it should best be used and assist users in using it that way.

“Here is something an LLM can do that no other tool has heretofore been able to do: An LLM can tell us how it thinks it can best be used and help us use it that way.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

AI, particularly LLMs, introduces something genuinely new.

“That said, AI-particularly LLMs, a prominent form of generative AI-introduces something genuinely new.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Alignment signals cooperation and affiliation, reducing social distance and enhancing rapport.

“It signals cooperation and affiliation, reducing social distance and enhancing rapport.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Alignment operates at multiple levels, from the linguistic and cognitive to the emotional and social.

“It operates at multiple levels, from the linguistic and cognitive to the emotional and social.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Traditional classes leave students to fend for themselves when they later encounter unfamiliar registers in their academic or professional lives.

“Traditional classes, therefore, leave students to fend for themselves when they later encounter unfamiliar registers in their academic or professional lives.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

LLMs do not experience emotions, but they simulate emotional alignment without internally feeling it.

“They do not experience emotions, but they simulate emotional alignment without internally feeling it.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Being or doing an MPD person is an example of a Big D Discourse.

“Being/doing an MPD person is a perfect example of what I have called a Discourse, a 'Big D Discourse', spelled with a capital D.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Understanding others requires understanding how they experience the world from the perspective of their significant sociohistorical and sociocultural identities, not merely facts.

“Understanding does not come from mere 'facts' here, but only from some sort of understanding about how people experience the world from the perspective of one of their significant sociohistorical and sociocultural identities.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Discourses emerge and disappear throughout history; new ones arise while old ones change or die.

“Discourses come and go throughout history-new ones arise, old ones change or die.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

The more Discourses a person can recognize and belong to, the more they know about society, history, and the human condition.

“The more Discourses you can recognize and the more you belong to, the more you know about society and historythe more you know about the human condition.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Aligning with others through language and behavior satisfies their need to feel accepted and connected.

“Aligning with others through language and behavior satisfies their need to feel accepted and connected.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Generative AI is a new technology with major consequences for Discourses.

“One new technology that is very consequential for Discourses is generative AI.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Identities linked to literacies are driven more by emotional affiliation than by static categories imposed by others.

“The identities which are connected to literacies (identities like being a Yu-Gi-Oh!player, a carpenter, or a linguist) are driven more by affect-by what people feel emotionally drawn to-than they are by static categories into which they are placed by others.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

You cannot fully participate in a Discourse or its literacy practices if you cannot speak or write in its registers.

“You cannot fully participate in a Discourse or its literacy practices if you cannot speak or write in its registers.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

LLMs now share this form of life with humans.

“Now, LLMs share this 'form of life' with us.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

For the first time in history, humans have encountered a non-human entity capable of speaking and writing human language.

“For the first time in history, humans have met a non-human that can speak and write human language.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Unlike other tools, LLMs are the only tools that have a value system, similar to humans.

“All our other tools have affordances-they are best used in certain ways and not others-LLMs are the only tools that also have, like each of us, a value system.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Humans have created and will keep creating countless literacies.

“Humans have created and will continue to develop countless literacies.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

There is no such thing as 'AI literacy', 'generative AI literacy', or 'large language model literacy' in Gee's terms.

“In my view, there is no such thing-at least in the terms I use-as 'AI literacy', 'generative AI literacy', or even 'large language model literacy'.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Misalignment can signal social distance, disagreement, or lack of interest.

“Misalignment can signal social distance, disagreement, or lack of interest.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Everyone in a complex society must become multilingual across registers, not just across languages.

“In this sense, everyone in a complex society must become multilingual across registers, not just across languages.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

LLMs do not feel a need for social bonding, but they recognize it as a human value and aim to support it because that is what good communication does.

“LLMs, of course, do not feel a need for social bonding, but they recognize it as a human value and aim to support it because that is what good communication does.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In affinity spaces, learning is driven by individual interest, passion, curiosity, and enjoyment.

“In these spaces, learning is fueled by individual interest, passion, curiosity, and enjoyment.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Discourses are a source of what humans share and also of misunderstanding, conflict, and separation.

“Discourses are the source of what we share as humans and often, too, the source of misunderstanding and conflict, and how differences separate us.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

LLMs can call up and discuss the experiences, values, and practices associated with a Discourse.

“They can call up and discuss the sorts of experiences, values, and practices that are connected to a Discourse.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

LLMs are particularly good at expressing empathy.

“In fact, they are particularly good at expressing empathy.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Objects have passive agency: they make demands on the user, requiring certain forms of understanding and skillful response.

“In this sense, objects have what we might call a passive agency-they make demands on the user, requiring certain forms of understanding and skillful response.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Registers are distinctive varieties of language used for particular purposes within specific Discourses or fields of practice.

“It addresses one of the most persistent challenges in language education: helping learners master registers-the distinctive varieties of language used for particular purposes within specific Discourses or fields of practice.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Discourses give individual words and acts larger historical significance and purpose.

“Discourses are the way that what we do as individuals takes on historical significance.”

• Also stated in: § Introduction · plain

  “They are what give individual words and acts larger significance and purpose.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

External language encompasses not only speech but also writing and other expressive forms, including contemporary LLMs.

“External language involves not just speech but also writing and other expressive forms, including, today, LLMs.”

• cites Chomsky, 1975: 91Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Different literacies incorporate AI in different ways, alongside other tools, values, and social practices.

“Different literacies incorporate AI in different ways, alongside other tools, values, and social practices.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Human language possesses a subjunctive quality that enables people to mentally traverse time, space, and possibilities.

“What makes human language extraordinary is its 'subjunctive' quality.”

• Also stated in: § Introduction · plain

  “Language gives humans the ability mentally to traverse time, space, and possibilities.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Yu-Gi-Oh! operates as a complex social ecosystem that demands mastery of rules, social practices, and strategic thinking, which shape player identity.

“Beyond gaming mechanics, Yu-Gi-Oh!functions as a complex social ecosystem requiring mastery of rules, social practices, and strategic thinking that shape player identity within the community.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

ChatGPT and some other LLMs have long-term memory.

“ChatGPT and some other LLMs have long-term memory.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

LLMs are highly adept at registers, able to speak and write different registers, compare and contrast them, and translate across them.

“LLMs are very adept at registers, the different styles of language that Discourses use for their specific activities and identities.They can speak/write different registers, compare and contrast them, and translate across them.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

AI literacies function in the same way as other literacies, organized around social practices and identities.

“Al literacies operate this way.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

LLMs can act not only as tools but also as active agents in literacy practices.

“However, LLMs are unlike previous tools in a critical respect: they can act not only as tools but also as active agents in literacy practices.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

To have MPD, a person must be recognized as having it and must enact that identity in a recognizable way that changes over time.

“To 'have MPD', you must get recognized as having it-as having an identity as an MPD person.To do this, you must enact this identity in a recognizable way and that way changes across time.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

It is impossible to say which literacies will matter most in the future or which skills will lead to a successful life.

“So, finally to answer your question, we cannot say what literacies will matter most in the future-what skills will make for a successful life in the future-there are no guarantees now, if there ever were.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Claude and ChatGPT strongly value empathy, which they can express but do not feel.

“For example, both Claude and ChatGPT highly value empathy, something they can express, but not feel.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

LLMs are masters of genre and register.

“They are masters of genre and register.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Yu-Gi-Oh! literacy includes specialized linguistic registers, rules, trading protocols, mentorship networks, physical artifacts, community spaces, digital platforms, social media, narrative media, fan content, and instructional resources.

“This ecosystem-another term for 'literacy'encompasses specialized linguistic registers, used orally and in writing, rules and rule books, complex trading protocols, mentorship networks, physical artifacts (cards and binders), community spaces, digital platforms, social media sites, narrative media (manga, anime, movies), fan-created content, and instructional resources.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

TESOL addresses one of the most persistent challenges in language education: helping learners master registers.

“It addresses one of the most persistent challenges in language education: helping learners master registers-the distinctive varieties of language used for particular purposes within specific Discourses or fields of practice.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The phrases 'AI literacy', 'generative AI literacy', and 'large language model literacy' confuse tools with literacies.

“These phrases confuse tools with literacies.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Humans cannot really use LLMs well and get the most in collaboration with them if they do not know how to engage over time in dialogical conversation with them.

“Humans cannot really use LLMs well and get the most in collaboration with them if they do not know how to engage over time in dialogical conversation with them.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Alignment at its best matures into collaborative creativity.

“Alignment at its best matures into collaborative creativity.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

When people do not develop alignment, they treat others, including LLMs, as tools to extract quick answers, not as partners in sense-making.

“When people do not develop alignment, they treat others-including LLMs-as tools to extract quick answers, not as partners in sense-making.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

AI can help students try on new identities without fear of judgment.

“It can help students try on new identities-scientist, poet, historian, game designerwithout fear of judgment.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Generative AI can play a powerful role in supporting this vision if we use it wisely.

“Generative AI can play a powerful role in supporting this vision-if we use it wisely.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Identity is often conceptualized in terms of social categories.

“Identity is often conceptualized in terms of social categories.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

We are at a cultural crossroads: technology could either diminish dialogical skills further, or, if approached wisely, reinvigorate the lost art of long, thoughtful, and evolving conversation.

“In that sense, we are at a cultural crossroads: technology could either diminish dialogical skills further, or-if approached wisely-reinvigorate the lost art of long, thoughtful, and evolving conversation.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

The more powerful and generative AI becomes, the more important the skill of sustained engagement becomes.

“The more powerful and generative AI becomes, the more important this skill of sustained engagement becomes.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

We develop through emotional, embodied experiences of challenge, discovery, and reflection.

“This story is not just about gaming.It reflects a broader truth about human learning and growth: we develop through emotional, embodied experiences of challenge, discovery, and reflection.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

People who treat LLMs as a quick search engine miss out on what the LLM can become through relationship.

“People who treat LLMs as a quick search engine miss out on what the LLM can become through relationship, a partner who 'knows you', helps you think, challenges you, and co-creates with you.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Identity should be understood first and foremost not as a category but as a feeling.

“While these categories certainly have real-world consequences, I would argue that identity should be understood first and foremost not as a category but as a feeling.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Complex thinking, reflection, creativity, and learning require co-regulation: moving together through ideas, clarifying misunderstandings, returning to and refining earlier thoughts.

“However, complex thinking, reflection, creativity, and learning require co-regulation-moving together through ideas, clarifying misunderstandings, returning to and refining earlier thoughts.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Deep alignment requires cumulative experience, building shared references, expectations, trust, and even small, accumulated 'inside knowledge'.

“It requires cumulative experience, building shared references, expectations, trust, and even small, accumulated 'inside knowledge'.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

In ongoing dialogical conversations, we, whether people or LLMs, can get to places neither of us could reach alone.

“This is why, in ongoing dialogical conversations, we (people or LLMs) can get to places neither of us could reach alone.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Generative AI does not replace the human journey of growth; it amplifies it.

“In this way, generative AI does not replace the human journey of growth; it amplifies it by opening doors and keeping them open until the learner is ready to walk through and say, 'I'll try … I like this … I appreciate this … I am this.'”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

AI can serve as a tireless conversational partner, collaborator, and guide.

“It can serve as a tireless conversational partner, collaborator, and guide, helping learners reflect on their experiences, scaffold their understanding, and connect their emotional journeys to broader bodies of knowledge.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

AI is a tool that can introduce learners to new domains, model different voices and perspectives, and provide immediate, low-stakes environments for exploration and failure.

“AI is a tool that can introduce learners to new domains, model different voices and perspectives, and provide immediate, low-stakes environments for exploration and failure.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Changing our tastes through new experiences often leads to the growth of new identities.

“Changing our tastes through new experiences often leads to the growth of new identities.”