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About this quote

What does it mean?
Written words are spatial material structures; spoken words are temporal processes.
In plain terms
Writing arranges matter in space; speech unfolds over time.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the different nature of written and spoken communication.

Where it applies

  • linguistics
  • communication design

Putting it to work

  • adapt messages to medium
  • consider timing in speech

Questions to consider

  • How does medium affect meaning?
  • Can written text ever capture the immediacy of speech?

Another view

The distinction oversimplifies how both modalities interact.

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