Orality, Print, and Digitalization: A Necessary Evolution

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(Loia, Domenico. “Photo of a Busy Accessible Desktop Workspace with a MacBook, an IMac, an IPhone and a Drawing Tablet.” Assistive Electronic Devices and Software, Disabled World, 2 Oct. 2018.)

We live in a digital world where electronic media and sources of information are in widespread use.

 

In her lecture titled “Gold and Riddles, Books and Bread: Reflection on the “Dream of the Rood”” presented on October 30th, Dr. Lay analyzed “The Dream of the Rood” poem, Old English poems, and Anglo-Saxon riddles. Dr. Lay’s discussion of the importance of oral poetry during the Anglo-Saxon time period followed by examples of electronic sources used today lay the groundwork for an intriguing observation I wish to delve deeper into: the transition of an oral culture to a written one and finally to a digital one that exists today. Orality, encouraged by the Anglo-Saxons, was considered the typical form of communication in their society. It certainly had its merits; Dr. Lay connected the idea of oral poetry to being a “shared experience… fluid and dependent on the audience” (Lay, “Gold and Riddles, Books and Bread: Reflection on the “Dream of the Rood”” 10/30/18). Verbal communication allows for narrators to shape their recollections to better conform to an audience, heightening the experience and adding to the effect. As a result, the Anglo-Saxons were vocal about their condemnation of the practice of written language. The Exeter Book Riddle #47, for instance, states, “the robber-guest not one whit the wiser for the words he had mumbled” (OE Riddle #47, Exeter Book). The phrase “robber-guest”, known as a kenning (such expressions are frequently found in Old English poems), represents a bookworm or one who consumes words. This “robber-guest” is described in a negative light for his association and dependence on words, underscoring the Anglo-Saxon’s criticism of the nature of literacy and mistrust towards writing.

Then how did written forms of communication continue to exist, gain in popularity, and eventually surpass oral tradition? It is critical to take into account the cultural activity that was beginning to take place: different depictions of deities were being introduced, cultures in new regions were emerging, and individuals were trying to become oriented with their faith. Interestingly, literacy provided an ideal fit for this world. It allowed for ways to record the numerous theist characterizations that arose and for individuals to adhere to a set of principles dictated by their religious affiliation or explore new cultures. Dr. Lay summarized this concept, stating, “Books became storage vessels of culture” (Lay, “Gold and Riddles, Books and Bread: Reflection on the “Dream of the Rood”” 10/30/18). Written works were the most effective form of media during this time period, capable of streamlining cultural transformations to a personal level. Thus, despite backlash, their usage went up.

I believe that regardless of the overall opinion of society, the form of technology or media that has the greatest potential to integrate itself and serve as a functional tool during a specific time period will naturally dominate. This argument can be used to explain the next transition from a print world to a digital one. While cultural activity is still currently present, it has been overshadowed by a new force: technology. We live in a technologically-dominant world. And to cope with increasing amounts of data, accessibility of resources, and cross-collaboration, electronic media is the answer. Although many individuals were afraid or denounced such a shift during its conception, electronic sources are now deeply rooted in nearly all aspects of our lives. It is for this reason that I suspect the United States will eventually adopt the International System of Units (metric system); despite great resistance, the need to work with other nations in a globalized fashion will lead to change.

(Schneider, Jason. “Uncle Sam versus the Metric System.” Why Hasn’t the U.S. Adopted the Metric System?, Popular Science, 14 June 2016.)

In what is a well-debated topic, the United States, unlike most of the world, has still not adopted the metric system.

 

Humans are creatures of advancement – continuously improving to reach new heights. I want to know if our accomplishments have come from an innate mindset to innovate or simply out of necessity. If our ability to progress tremendously stems from need, our surroundings and the situations we face may be more significant than we can imagine.

 

Works Cited:

Lay, Ethna D. “Gold and Riddles, Books and Bread: Reflection on the ‘Dream of the Rood.’” Culture & Expression. 30 Oct. 2018.

Loia, Domenico. “Photo of a Busy Accessible Desktop Workspace with a MacBook, an IMac, an IPhone and a Drawing Tablet.” Assistive Electronic Devices and Software, Disabled World, 2 Oct. 2018.

Schneider, Jason. “Uncle Sam versus the Metric System.” Why Hasn’t the U.S. Adopted the Metric System?, Popular Science, 14 June 2016.

“What Am I?” What Am I? Exeter Book.