Orality (Communication) - Definition and Examples

Orality (Communication) s Orality is the use of speech  rather than writing  as a means of communication, especially in communities where the tools of literacy are unfamiliar to the majority of the population. Modern interdisciplinary studies in the history and nature of orality were initiated by theorists in the Toronto school, among them Harold Innis, Marshall McLuhan, Eric Havelock, and Walter J. Ong.  Ã‚   In Orality and Literacy (Methuen, 1982), Walter J. Ong identified some of the distinctive ways in which people in a primary oral culture [see the definition below] think and express themselves through narrative discourse: Expression is coordinate and polysyndetic ( . . . and . . . and . . . and . . .) rather than subordinate and hypotactic.Expression is aggregative (that is, speakers rely on epithets and on parallel and antithetical phrases) rather than analytic.Expression tends to be redundant and copious.Out of necessity, thought is conceptualized and then expressed with relatively close reference to the human world; that is, with a preference for the concrete rather than the abstract.Expression is agonistically toned (that is, competitive rather than cooperative).Finally, in predominantly oral cultures, proverbs (also known as maxims) are convenient vehicles for conveying simple beliefs and cultural attitudes. Etymology From the Latin oralis, mouth Examples and Observations James A. MaxeyWhat is the relationship of orality to literacy? Though disputed, all sides agree that  orality is  the predominant mode of communication in the world and that literacy is a relatively recent technological development in human history.Pieter J.J. BothaOrality as a condition exists by virtue of communication that is not dependent on modern media processes and techniques. It is negatively formed by the lack of technology and positively created by specific forms of education and cultural activities. . . . Orality refers to the experience of words (and speech) in the habitat of sound. Ong on Primary Orality and Secondary Orality Walter J. OngI style the orality of a culture totally untouched by any knowledge or writing or print, primary orality. It is primary by contrast with the secondary orality of present-day high-technology culture, in which a new orality is sustained by telephone, radio, television, and other electronic devices that depend for their existence and functioning on writing and print. Today primary oral culture in the strict sense hardly exists, since every culture knows of writing and has some experience of its effects. Still, to varying degrees many cultures and subcultures, even in a high-technology ambiance, preserve much of the mind-set of primary orality. Ong on Oral Cultures Walter J. OngOral cultures indeed produce powerful and beautiful verbal performances of high artistic and human worth, which are no longer even possible once writing has taken possession of the psyche. Nevertheless, without writing, human consciousness cannot achieve its fuller potentials, cannot produce other beautiful and powerful creations. In this sense, orality needs to produce and is destined to produce writing. Literacy . . . is absolutely necessary for the development not only of science but also of history, philosophy, explicative understanding of literature and of any art, and indeed for the explanation of language (including oral speech) itself. There is hardly an oral culture or a predominantly oral culture left in the world today that is not somehow aware of the vast complex of powers forever inaccessible without literacy. This awareness is agony for persons rooted in primary orality, who want literacy passionately but who also know very well that moving into the excitin g world of literacy means leaving behind much that is exciting and deeply loved in the earlier oral world. We have to die to continue living. Orality and Writing Rosalind ThomasWriting is not necessarily the mirror-image and destroyer of orality, but reacts or interacts with oral communication in a variety of ways. Sometimes the line between written and oral even in a single activity cannot actually be drawn very clearly, as in the characteristic Athenian contract which involved witnesses and an often rather slight written document, or the relation between the performance of a play and the written and published text. Clarifications Joyce Irene MiddletonMany misreadings, misinterpretations, and misconceptions about orality theory are due, in part, to [Walter J.] Ongs rather slippery use of seemingly interchangeable terms that very diverse audiences of readers interpret in various ways. For example, orality is not the opposite of literacy, and yet many debates about orality are rooted in oppositional values . . .. In addition, orality was not replaced by literacy: Orality is permanentwe have always and will continue to always use human speech arts in our various forms of communication, even as we now witness changes in our personal and professional uses of alphabetic forms of literacy in a number of ways. Pronunciation: o-RAH-li-tee

Quotations for Bonding With Your Sister

Quotations for Bonding With Your Sister I grew up with two sisters. As kids, we had our share of squabbles and catty fights, just like any other siblings. However, I didnt feel that our parents ever favored one over the other, or interfered in our quarrels. They let us settle our own matters. I always found that when tempers flared, my younger sister would say something cute, and make us all laugh. Our quarrels never lasted for more than a day, often lasting only for minutes. Brothers Are Different From Sisters As a mother of two boys, I see a different type of relationship between my two sons. Boys squabble over different issues than girls. The way two brothers bond with each other is different from the way sisters bond. I watched my sisters grow up into beautiful, capable and confident women. My overprotective older sister grew up to be cautious and risk-averse. She made calculated moves, ensuring that she protected her family at every turn. My younger sister went about her business with an air of nonchalance, seeking new adventures even at great personal risk. She achieved her ambitions early in life, which fueled her aspirations. I often wonder how despite our common childhood experiences, we developed different skills and perspectives. Your Sister and You Have a Shared Childhood Many sisters bond over shared childhood experiences, and how these experiences impacted their life. Your sister has shared your journey of life during childhood; the time when personalities get formed. Your sister has seen you in your most vulnerable moments. She knows you nature inside out. She understands you even better than you understand yourself. Who better than your sister to confide your darkest secrets? Sisters Hold the Mirror Up to Your Face Need a reality check? Go to your sister. She will mince no words when she has to tell you that you are a boneheaded egomaniac. However, you can rest assured that she is on your side, and she means well. Your arguments with your sister will enable you to think through your decision and make the right move. Sisters Can Shield You From the World The best thing about sisters is that they give you room to make your own mistakes. While your sister may still dangle the threat of squealing to your mother, she will help you when you need her the most. She will protect her family honor by defending you against your enemies. What Makes Sisters Special Sisters are Gods greatest blessings. You are lucky if you have a sister. Make your relationship special by sharing intimate childhood experiences with your sister. Walk down memory lane as you recount your good and bad childhood memories. Share your views about each other, and get a fresh perspective about yourself. Build an everlasting bond of friendship with these sister quotes. Cherish this bond of sibling love and make your life complete. Cute Sister Quotes Cali Rae TurnerThe best thing about having a sister was that I always had a friend.Linda SunshineIf you dont understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child.Pam BrownSisters annoy, interfere, criticize. Indulge in monumental sulks, in huffs, in snide remarks. Borrow. Break. Monopolize the bathroom. Are always underfoot. But if catastrophe should strike, sisters are there. Defending you against all comers.Barbara AlpertShe is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities. She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway. She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark. She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink. Some days, shes the reason you wish you were an only child.Pam BrownIf your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, shes wearing your best sweater.Victoria SecundaTo have a loving relationship with a sister is not simply to have a buddy or a confident; it is to have a soul mate for life.Margaret MeadSisters are probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.Marion C GarrettyA sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.Carol SalineWhat sets sisters apart from brothers and also from friends is a very intimate meshing of heart, soul and the mystical cords of memory.Charles M SchulzBig sisters are the crab grass in the lawn of life.Isadora JamesA sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.Louise GluckOf two sisters, one is always the watcher, one the dancer.Carol SalineSisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other.Gail SheenyHusbands come and go; children come and eventually they go. Friends grow up and move away. But the one thing thats never lost is your sister.Pam BrownA younger sister is someone to use as a guinea pig in trying sledges and experimental go-carts. Someone to send on messages to Mum. But someone who needs you who comes to you with bumped heads, grazed knees, tales of persecution. Someone who trusts you to defend her. Someone who thinks you know the answers to almost everything.