WM Ong: Writing/Technology
"Without writing, the literate mind would not and could not think as it does, not only when engaged in writing but even when it is composing its thoughts in oral form." (Walter Ogn, WM 316)
It seemed this quote summed up the main point that Ong was trying to drive. It is extremely difficult for the average literate being to comprehend the mindset and thought process of those who grew up in a oral dominate culture. Because so much of our culture is based upon literacy, are thoughts and belief are organized in a manner that is specific for our literate dominant society. Ong supports both forms really, and seems to understand that both represent the evolution of humanity. He further addresses the current technological change via computers. The computers threaten writing just as writing threaten oral communication. Ong also drives the point that every form of communication other than oral is artificial. He further states that the use of artificial aids is part of human nature, just as the progression of language/text is. The essay provided a valuable in-depth analysis of the pro/cons of both styles, and in the end Ong seems excited that the new age of communication is upon as, and we should view this new form with awe and enthusiam.
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ChrisU on WM Ong: Writing/Technology: "Whatever is there is what is
Daniella Choynowski on WM Ong: Writing/Technology: Yes, this literate society wou
Jeremy Barrick on WM Ong: Writing/Technology: "Because so much of our cultur
Jeremy Barrick on WM Ong: Writing/Technology: "Because so much of our cultur
Daniella Choynowski on WM Ong: Writing/Technology: Yes, this literate society wou
Jeremy Barrick on WM Ong: Writing/Technology: "Because so much of our cultur
Jeremy Barrick on WM Ong: Writing/Technology: "Because so much of our cultur
"Because so much of our culture is based upon literacy, are thoughts and belief are organized in a manner that is specific for our literate dominant society."
How true. We are prone to believe that writing is our main tool to communicate. If we would have been born thousands of years ago, we would communicate orally, and that would be it. No writing. It would seem foreign to us. Just as the future generation will not know what paper or pens are? VHS tapes, or anything like so. I guess you have to just roll with the times. Whatever is there is what is primarily utilized.
"Because so much of our culture is based upon literacy, are thoughts and belief are organized in a manner that is specific for our literate dominant society."
How true. We are prone to believe that writing is our main tool to communicate. If we would have been born thousands of years ago, we would communicate orally, and that would be it. No writing. It would seem foreign to us. Just as the future generation will not know what paper or pens are? VHS tapes, or anything like so. I guess you have to just roll with the times. Whatever is there is what is primarily utilized.
Yes, this literate society would explain why the illiterates end up working in convienience stores and McDonald's. It it not that they are without intelligence, but a sort of "glass ceiling" keeps them at the bottom rung of society.
As to the artifical aid statement, are guns and spears artifical aids to a hunter? What does it matter as long as the knowledge is communicated. An aid is an aid.
"Whatever is there is what is primarily utilized. (JB)"
Exactly. Each transition from one form of communication to another has been so powerful and widespread that most people were forced to go along with it regardless of which type of communication they preferred. This is similar to the way that many elderly today are trying to learn how to use computers and the internet because they have no choice if they want to continue to take full advantage of certain opportunities in life.