“Orality” is defined as “interaction with the world by means of the spoken word” and contrasts with “conceptuality” which is defined as “interacting with the world by means of ideas and concepts”.  Where reading and writing are secondary within a culture because of the lack of education or resources, the communication by means of the spoken word is often of primary importance in preserving what is valuable to a people and in communicating it to the next generation.  The Welsh revival of 1904-1906, considered a precursor, some would say the catalyst of, the world famous Azusa Street revival of 1906-1908 offers an excellent example of the role of orality in a culture, where Welsh, the language of the common people, rather than the English, the language of the educated elites and often the clergy, was used predominantly.  Though short, this essay offers a stimulating introduction to orality and an extensive bibliography.

You can read a PDF of the essay here.