Uptake 1: What is it??

Looking at the word uptake itself reminds me a bit of upload or upkeep. Upload is the transferring of information and upkeep is the tidying of "information," to keep something in good condition. So, at first glance of the word I already had an idea formed of what it could mean in relation to similar words that I was reminded of. That whole process of using my background or antecedent knowledge was UPTAKE! The best way that I have come to understand it is "how we learn new things." Basic, yes, but I think it encompasses the idea reasonably well. In the process of uptake, we are "updating" our knowledge on a subject by using our past experiences and the current context.

We unconsciously use uptake in our daily lives whenever we encounter a new experience. Making inferences about our surroundings without even knowing it. It prepares us for what an experience might entail. I kind of visualize it as packing for a trip but you don't know where you're going. I know I need to pack clothes because I've gone on trips and vacations before but I don't know what the weather will be like when I get there. Will I need a swimsuit or a winter coat? Once I get to the location and can feel the weather for myself I know more about the experience and what I will need to pack for the future even if maybe on another trip it will rain a lot more than this time- I have a foundation for this type of trip. If you are anxious like I am you will overpack for that first trip and use every experience from all types of weather to understand what you might need. Packing everything from snow pants to flip flops. But after you arrive at the location you can "throw out" the items in your suitcase that you've learned that you don't need and maybe purchase any items that you've learned about to add. In this analogy, the items you've packed are all the previous knowledge that you've collected, and once you've learned more about what you are encountering you update your understanding with uptake!