On Ong and the inportance of spoken words

The problem with videos as part of a presentation for me is that while I am tuned in and watching it has my attention. But unless I take notes I often remember what I hear, more than what I see. Perhaps, there is an argument that the pencil and printing press did not lose the art of memory, but perhaps enhanced it. I remember what I read and what I write.

I actually do like all the videos that we have seen and prefer to have them because it gives me the essence of the speaker, his voice and gestures and tone. The medium is the message. Just watching someone move and speak helps us form a personality. ( ethos?)

Eric highlighted many ways that Ong gives importance to the oral word. From the spiritual, connecting with the what the bible says about "The word" being God, to the esthetic use of words in Poetry, to forming a group, an audience, and as a precursor to literacy.

The connection between oral language and composition is that discourse comes first. Lunsford says that one benefit of writing with a partner is that there is more talking before writing and so helps the writer to think and form ideas and arguments.

In fact all three presentations on February 10 emphasized the high importance of not just thinking but orality, discourse as a rehearsal before writing.

This is also crucial for second language writers.

Eric's printed and visual information with the diagram is helpful information to understand Ong and his theories.

Nancy