Background of Roman Beliefs Regarding Oral
The Ancient Romans were against oral due to their belief that books and recorded texts were the only reliable sources of information. This belief was held by the rulers and elites of the Roman Empire, and was part of their approach to knowledge, culture, and education. Oral communication was seen as unreliable, untrustworthy and prone to manipulation, distortion, and exaggeration. They preferred the longevity and correctness that books and texts provided and the status that was associated with the possession and ability to read them. With the fall of the empire, this approach to communication shifted and people began to appreciate the reliability, potency and immediacy that oral communication can bring.
Dominance of Written Word over Oral
The Ancient Romans valued written words more than oral words. Books were prized possessions and written texts were seen as evidence of learning, meaning that was seen as more reliable than what could be heard with just one’s ears. Verbal storytelling, which was often handed down from generation to generation, was seen as being limited and not as reliable as written records. Many of the Roman texts were designed to ensure accuracy and permanence of information, an approach that was seen as a way to preserve knowledge and wisdom.
Oral Communication as Untrustworthy
The Ancient Romans were against oral communication because they viewed it as an untrustworthy source of information. Oral communication was seen as being mutable and could easily be manipulated or distorted by anyone, meaning that it could not be relied upon for correct or accurate information. For example, the much-loved tales of gods, goddesses and heroes were seen as inadequate and not trustworthy. In fact, the inability to trust oral communication is one of the primary reasons that the Ancient Romans preferred written texts over oral stories and tales.
Roman Attitude Towards Uneducated Populations
The Ancient Romans’ attitude towards oral communication was also coloured by their attitude towards uneducated populations. Oral storytelling was seen as something that was popular amongst the uneducated and the common folk. It was seen as an activity for the uneducated of the Roman Empire, rather than a mode of education or knowledge. As such, oral communication was seen as an activity that was beneath the elites and rulers of the Roman Empire, which further increased the skepticism that they had towards the accuracy of the information provided.
Preference of Textual Records to Oral Communication
The Ancient Romans preferred textual records and documentation to oral communication. Written texts were seen as having permanence, a depth of knowledge and trustworthiness that could not be found with spoken words. By contrast, oral communication was seen as unreliable, easily manipulated and not trustworthy. In fact, many of the Roman texts were designed to ensure accuracy and permanence of information, which showed the Ancient Romans’ preference for textual information and evidence over spoken tales or legends.
Reliable Storage of Data
The Ancient Romans also preferred textual documents because they provided more reliable forms of data storage. Oral communication could change over time and be manipulated, whereas written documents provided a more dependable and consistent form of record keeping. This reliable form of data storage was invaluable to the Romans, and was one of the primary reasons why they preferred written documents and records over oral communication.
Reliance on Work of Others
One of the reasons why the Ancient Romans preferred written records to oral communication was because it allowed them to rely on the work of others. Written texts could be accurately and reliably copied, meaning that the original author’s ideas and thoughts could be relied upon. By contrast, oral communication relied on how people remembered and interpreted the original conversation or ideas, meaning that ideas could be distorted, exaggerated or manipulated. This reliance on the work of others was another reason why the Ancient Romans preferred textbook knowledge and documentation over oral communication.
Educational Focus on Written Texts
The Ancient Romans placed an educational focus on written texts, which was one of the things that fuelled their distrust and scepticism of oral communication. The written word was viewed as evidence of knowledge and learning, whereas oral communication was seen as something more mundane and even childish. The Roman educational system was structured around written and textual learning, meaning that it was seen as the primary source of knowledge and information.
Religious Attitudes towards Oral Communication
The Ancient Romans had a religious attitude towards oral communication as well. Oral communication was seen as something that was unstructured and unregulated, whereas written scripture and documents could be used to demonstrate the will of the gods and goddesses. This meant that oral communication was viewed as something that could potentially be dangerous, as it could potentially go against the will or teachings of the gods. As such, the Ancient Romans viewed oral communication with skepticism and mistrust.
Declining Respect for Written Texts
With the passing of the Roman Empire, the respect and trust in written texts began to decline. As the power of the Roman Empire waned and new languages, cultures and traditions emerged, people began to appreciate the potency and immediacy of oral communication. Words spoken aloud could reach large audiences quickly, and presented a form of communication that was dynamic and interesting. This was in stark contrast to the written word, which was seen as static and outdated.
Connection Between Written and Oral Communication
In modern times, there is a connection between written and oral communication. People recognize the importance of both forms of communication, using the written word to store data accurately and the spoken word to communicate quickly and efficiently. The Ancient Romans preferred written texts because they provided reliability and permanence, but many of their attitudes towards oral communication have been lost in the modern world.
Modern Day Emphasis on Oral Communication
Modern day emphasis on oral communication is one of the main reasons why the Ancient Romans’ attitude towards it is not as present. Verbal stories, tales and conversations are valued for the knowledge and culture that they can provide, as well as the immediacy of the information that they can provide. Oral communication can still be unreliable, depending on the speaker and the context of the conversation, but it is not seen with the same level of negative perception as it was by the Ancient Romans.
Increased Use of Oral Communication
The increased use of oral communication has allowed for a greater appreciation of its positive aspects. Information can be shared quickly, informally and in an engaging manner, allowing a group or audience to come to a shared understanding or decision more efficiently. Oral communication is now seen as a powerful tool, one that can be used to create shared experiences and reach large audiences quickly.
Role of Technology in Increasing Use of Oral Communication
The role of technology in increasing the use of oral communication should not be overlooked. The ability to easily record and share oral conversations, stories and tales has opened up new opportunities for knowledge sharing. People are now more likely to listen to a story than read it, and thanks to technology, stories can be quickly and easily shared with a larger audience.
Conclusion
The Ancient Romans were against oral communication due to their belief that books and documented texts were the only reliable sources of information. This belief coloured their views on oral communication and as a result, it was seen as unreliable, untrustworthy and prone to manipulation and exaggeration. With the passing of the Roman Empire, attitudes towards oral communication have shifted, with people now appreciating the immediacy and potency that it can bring. Technology has allowed for the increased use of oral communication, and it is now seen as powerful tool that can be used to create shared experiences and reach large audiences quickly.
