How writing lives within speaking

Walter Ong on orality and literacy

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

We often emphasize reading and writing as the cornerstones of learning. However, communication scholar Walter J. Ong reminds us that humans are inherently oral beings first. His groundbreaking work reveals that speaking and writing are deeply interconnected—like two streams merging into a powerful river. For educational leaders aiming to enhance learning environments, recognizing and embracing this connection is not just beneficial—it's essential.

The foundation of communication

Before the advent of writing, human societies thrived on oral traditions. Ong referred to this as "primary orality"—cultures untouched by writing systems. In these societies, knowledge, history, and traditions were passed down verbally through storytelling, songs, and communal dialogues. This rich oral heritage wasn't merely casual conversation; it was a sophisticated means of preserving and transmitting complex information across generations.

Even today, every child's journey begins with listening and speaking. Children naturally acquire language by interacting with those around them, long before they learn to read or write. Ong highlighted that this isn't just a developmental step but a fundamental aspect of how our brains are wired. Oral communication lays the groundwork for literacy. Research shows that children exposed to diverse and rich spoken language develop stronger reading and writing skills later on.

The interplay of speaking and writing

Walter Ong discovered that the emergence of writing didn't replace oral communication; instead, it added a new dimension to how we express and share ideas. Writing and speaking began to work together, each enhancing the other. For instance, discussing a topic aloud can deepen understanding and generate ideas that improve writing. Conversely, writing can help organize thoughts that make verbal communication more coherent.

Discussion enhances comprehension as students grasp reading materials better after engaging in group conversations, where they can hear different perspectives and clarify misunderstandings. In subjects like math and science, talking through problems helps students solidify their understanding and identify areas of confusion. Students' writing often mirrors the language structures they use in speech, highlighting the influence of orality on literacy.

Ong also introduced the concept of "secondary orality," referring to new forms of oral communication facilitated by modern technology—like podcasts, videos, and voice chats. These platforms blend speaking and writing, creating fresh opportunities for learning and expression. In today's classrooms, this integration becomes increasingly important as students navigate both traditional and digital forms of communication.

Navigating today's communication landscape

Modern students navigate a complex communication environment. They seamlessly shift between texting, social media, face-to-face conversations, and formal writing. Ong would view this as evidence of the evolving dance between orality and literacy. Students create content that combines text, speech, images, and video, reflecting an integrated approach to communication.

Online platforms often blend spoken and written language conventions, creating new linguistic expressions. Technology enables ongoing conversations that transcend time and location, echoing the communal aspects of primary orality. This digital landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for educators as they guide students in developing strong communication skills across multiple modes.

The integration of technology has not diminished the importance of traditional speaking and writing skills but rather enhanced their significance. Students must learn to navigate both digital and analog communication forms effectively, understanding when and how to employ different approaches for maximum impact.

Practical strategies

Educational leaders must create environments where speaking and writing enrich each other. This means incorporating a mix of communication activities in lesson plans and encouraging students to discuss topics before writing assignments to stimulate ideas. Using storytelling and presentations enhances verbal skills alongside writing exercises.

Professional development should focus on helping teachers understand the importance of oral language development. Creating inclusive environments where all students feel comfortable sharing verbally becomes crucial. Leaders should also implement classroom activities that build listening and speaking skills systematically.

Technology integration requires thoughtful consideration. Digital tools should support both oral and written communication through discussion forums, video projects, and collaborative documents. Students benefit from creating multimedia projects that blend speech and writing, while learning digital literacy skills that encompass various communication forms.

Learning spaces need careful design to accommodate both quiet, individual work and collaborative discussions. Arrangement of seating to facilitate eye contact and interaction during verbal activities proves essential. Areas equipped for multimedia presentations and recordings support the integration of various communication modes.

Throughout all these efforts, educational leaders must remember that speaking and writing are two sides of the same coin. By nurturing both skills, we open doors to deeper understanding, creativity, and connection. As we continue to evolve in our understanding of communication, Ong's insights remind us that the partnership between speaking and writing remains fundamental to effective education.

Reference

McDowell, P. (2012). Ong and the Concept of Orality. religion & literature, 169-178.

Note: I use LLMs to augment my work. Email me at naquin.rod@gmail.com to learn more.