orality

[ aw-ral-i-tee, oh-ral- ]

noun

, Psychoanalysis.

1. the condition or quality of being oral; collectively, the personality traits characteristic of the oral phase of psychosexual development.

orality

/ ɔːˈrælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being oral
2. a tendency to favour the spoken rather than the written form of language

Word History and Origins

Origin of orality¹

First recorded in 1660–70; oral + -ity

Example Sentences

Together they hope that this new tool will also pave the way for the production of language materials in a naturalistic learning environment away from the classroom, but based instead around everyday use, orality, and community.

From Science Daily

“For me storytelling is inextricable with orality. ... I read all of my work aloud until I get a rhythm, I think about that almost as a musical composition.”

From Los Angeles Times

“My Jim” has proved the perfect companion to Twain’s brilliant but problematic classic, and the audio production captures the inspired orality of Rawles’ writing.

From Seattle Times

Her melodic poems, which embrace the orality of poetry and language, often touch on the natural world, which she uses as much more than just a setting.

From New York Times

His work has had wide-ranging ramifications, ushering in an emphasis on orality that has become increasingly central to modern literary culture — from professional storytellers and TED talks to podcasts and audiobooks.

From New York Times