Goody and Watt

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School

Georgia State University *

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Course

3250

Subject

Communications

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

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Uploaded by CaptainArmadillo2004

1 Discussion Post Name Department, University Course Code: Course Title Professor Date

2 Discussion Post The reading dives into the function of language, writing, and literacy in human history and society. It emphasizes the differences between disciplines that research human communication and investigates the transition from illiterate to literate communities. Non-literate societies rely on oral communication and memory to transmit cultural traditions (Goody & Watt, 1963, p.306), whereas writing revolutionized the process. Genealogies are essential in African communities because they serve as charters for current social systems rather than historical records (Goody & Watt, 1963, p.310). Various social and cultural variables influenced the development and spread of writing systems across time, and the employment of phonetic or non- phonetic scripts had various degrees of importance. Greece's adoption of the alphabet contributed significantly to the spread of literacy (Goody & Watt, 1963, p.319). The change brought about by the growth of Greek civilization was marked by a newfound emphasis on literacy and writing in society, which facilitated differentiation between myth and history due to its influence on written language. In his discourse Plato promotes oral communication over writing by citing the weaknesses associated with written language –writing is shallow (Goody & Watt, 1963, p.327). However, one key aspect of Greek culture is the link between literacy and political democracy development (Goody & Watt, 1963, p.332). Despite its prevalence, widespread literacy presents challenges, including social stratification and clashes between oral and written traditions undermining efforts to realize an egalitarian society (Goody & Watt, 1963, p.333). Exploring how transitioning from a non-literate society to a literate one impacts the social structure and cultural heritage is one of many interesting aspects discussed in the assigned reading. This text explains how using writing to pass down traditional customs brings about a significant change. This change in society significantly impacts its systems, including modes of

3 communication and conservation of culture. For instance, Behaviors and attitudes within cultures lacking literacy are often shaped by word-of-mouth traditions, and the way people speak directly reflects their socialization process; this is because it is influenced by societal values and culture, which can be seen in their use of language. Memory plays a vital role in preserving social tradition effectively, and the proper use of mnemonic devices and ritual conditions can help preserve some memory aspects (Goody & Watt, 1963, p.308). An interesting aspect discussed was the critique of writing by Plato. To him, the effects of writing are shallow and do not capture the essential truths. Plato seems to believe that personal relationships developed through conversations involving discussion help convey knowledge more efficiently than other means. He underscores the value of memory and how knowledge can be incorporated into one's essence. The viewpoint expressed here challenges common beliefs about the strength of written language and encouraged us to consider its shortcomings in conserving cultural customs and expressing deep meanings. The most provocative claim in the passage is that the analytic processes involved in logical procedures, such as syllogism, depend on writing and a form that allows for recording and dissecting verbal statements. This claim suggests that writing enables the separation of cultural elements into distinct units, which is essential for logical thinking. 1. In what ways does writing contribute to the development of analytic processes and logical thinking? 2. To what extent does the formalization of sounds and syntax through writing enable the separation of cultural elements and the shift towards logical and analytical thinking?

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4 References Goody, J., & Watt, I. (1963). The Consequences of Literacy. Comparative Studies in Society and History , 5 (3), 304–345. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/177651? origin=JSTOR-pdf

Goody and Watt

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