English edit

Etymology edit

From Latin littera, litera (letter).

Noun edit

literation (countable and uncountable, plural literations)

  1. The use of letters to represent sounds, words, etc., in a language.
    • 1878, Transactions and Proceedings of the Conference of Librarians, Charles Whittingham, page 14:
      Another point which is of much importance, but upon which there is not at present any agreement among librarians, is the system of literation to be adopted where it becomes necessary to represent in English characters, names or words from languages having special characters of their own.
    • 1988, Liberia-forum, Issues 6-9, Liberia Working Group, page 53,
      He supported the assumption of administrative and management functions by Africans, the literation of African languages; as well as agriculture, mining and banking by African enterprises; public health services staffed by African doctors etc.
    • 1992, Sea Breezes, volume 66, C. Birchall & Sons, page 431:
      On steamers and motorships the name in Roman literation is usually displayed on each side of the wheelhouse.

Related terms edit

See also edit