This article by Faigley of the University of Texas at Austin is clearly a bit dated as it was published more than a decade ago. This is evident because his concern about the coexistence of prose and visual design in the same medium, the Internet, has already found a conclusion (for the most part). Discourse displayed on websites with visual aids blanketed all around it is the norm of this digital age and there doesn’t seem to be a problem. Sure, the expansion of authorship has definitely increased beyond measure with personal websites, blogs, and social networking, which has in turn allowed for the creation of a certain “Internet” speak that some may consider a deterioration of literate language. However, this is a mere effect (or perhaps casualty?) of the culture that technology has spawned. But despite the jungle of “LOL’s”, prose can still be found intact in many parts of this networked Wild West, often with the accompaniment of multimedia. Sounds, pictures, movies, and more have since enhanced audiences’ overall experiences, allowing for supplementary material. There may be an over-reliance on other mediums being spread and not enough emphasis on text, but for over a decade since this published article, it seems as though discourse may be bullied, but never expelled entirely.
Not to be a smug, self-referential author, but doesn't this post, this blog, with its scholarly text and visuals, serve to dispel the literary concern? O btw, brb.
Not to be a smug, self-referential author, but doesn't this post, this blog, with its scholarly text and visuals, serve to dispel the literary concern? O btw, brb.
I loved your post! I too find that this article seems to be a bit outdated. Writing through the means of the internet has already taken off and will most likely not turn back. I agree that writing in this means appears to be less sophisticated in part because of the large amount of people partaking in it of all ages, education, and intelligence. I thought your remark at the end in reference to this assignment and blogging for this course appears to be that of the literary concern from this article. Quite ironic! I had not thought of that until now. Thanks for your thoughts! I enjoyed reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteI actually expected the article to be more recent also. It is amazing to think how largely the world wide web has impacted our society and how we live today. I think it is great that people can go online and post a blog about there day. It encourages peolpe to write about themsevles, how they feel, interests, hobbies, virtually anything they want.
ReplyDeleteThis is genius! I love your post. It has many elements of what they were worried about in the article, just proving (as was your intent), that it has not hurt literacy in any way. It may be ever present, but so are the novels we read, and books we study for class. This cannot be stifled by mere images.
ReplyDeleteFabulous post as usual, Raymond.
ReplyDelete