Walter J. Ong's standard work proves to be more relevant than ever against the backdrop of today's changes in media, culture, and society. It provides vivid insights into the nature of oral and written societies, highlighting the central importance of the transformation of communication for societal and cultural development. Ong traces how profoundly our entire culture has been reshaped by the transition from oral to written and then to electronic communication, as well as by the development of writing and printing. This book impressively illustrates the different significance of oral and written modes of communication and helps to understand the 'second orality' of a digital media environment. It addresses questions such as: what is the value of spoken language in a...