It is easy to say that written words are secondary to spoken words. But, it needs to be recognized that both oral and written words are simply different systems of symbols which are used for communication, and are therefore equal. For either system, the goal is communication, and the specific system is the means or transmitter for that (communication) goal; following Shannon and Weaver’s Information Theory of Communication as described by John R Baldwin et al, everything that is communicated begins as an idea, which is then translated linearly, then presented with either speech or the written word, which is then received and decoded into the original idea (p.66-68) (at least, this is what happens during a successful transition). Because both systems are (used as) tools, it is not adequate to say that one is able to communicate better than the other. The fundamental difference between the two, in terms of their effectiveness, is not their abilities, but is why they are as effective as they are or are not. This can be found in our learning system, in which we learn to speak and hear before we learn to read and write. We communicate through audio language more because it is what we were taught first. After speech communication is learned, (usually) children begin learning to communicate through text. It should be noted that writing systems (at least those that I am aware of) are based on spoken text. To write, one must translate an idea into spoken text, and then use the spoken text as a basis in order to translate to written text. But, this process of learning has been enforced upon the two communication systems. If written text was learned first, then written text would probably be used more, and verbal text would be based on written text. Therefore, the two systems are equal, but utilized differently.
Baldwin, John R., Stephen D. Perry, and Mary Anne Moffitt. (2004). Communication theories for everyday life. Pearson Education Inc.
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Written text cannot build emotion unless repeated, and at the same time holding the readers interest so that the repetition may be read. Scary books often rely on repetition. Movies depend on music to relay the emotion. Orators use timing, tone and facial or body expression.
If a message must be clear and uninterrupted, writing it down is best. This works well in marriages and other close relationships where misunderstandings occur because too much emotion may be flung prematurely, breaking the flow of the speaker's intent and point.
If expression is meant to move people (either to laughter, tears or to action), then emotion must be stirred. Even logic and reason rely on a certain amount of emotion to turn hearts, change minds, and reverse a course, since the logic produces 'regret' for the current course.
The limitations of Oral communication, however, is that it is lost upon utterance. If it is to be preserved, it becomes text. Unfortunately, it may lose its effect in translation to paper, especially over time.
For example, in 1913, President Woodrow Wilson gave a speech to a group of Native American Indians. He said, "The Great White Father now calls you his brother, not his children because you have shown in your education and in your settled ways of life staunch, manly, worthy qualities of sound character". http://www.historicaldocuments.com/WoodrowWilsonAddressesNativeAmericans.htm
What may have been celebrated words, over time, can become a matter of heated debate regarding the speakers intent or even his virtue. His audience also may have applauded his kind words spoken at the time. Those same words, written as text for future audiences, may entice anger.
Therefore, it could be seen as counter-productive to preserve any communication.
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