1. the quality or condition of being spoken rather than written
2. emphasis on or preference for spoken language and oral tradition in a culture
Usage: anthropology; linguistics

Examples

• The orality of ancient Greek culture meant that stories were passed down through generations by word of mouth.
• Scholars study the transition from orality to literacy in early civilizations.
• The poet’s work emphasized orality, designed to be heard rather than read silently.
• Many African cultures maintained their history through orality rather than written records.
• The orality of the performance made it feel more intimate and immediate.
• Researchers examined how orality affects memory and storytelling techniques.