-
Written communication dates back to the visual recordings of history and messages inscribed in relevant prehistoric geographies, spanning more than 6000 years ago. Writing as it is understood now dates back to about 800 BC.
As written communication gained societal traction, written messages were recognized as official records of history and documentation, prompting the development of several technologies that could bolster the delivery and creation of written messages e.g., the printing press. -
-
The oral communication era was characterized by a lack of technological prowess that resulted in the chief method of communication being spoken word.
This method of communication was dominant in pre-industrial/pre-literate societies. Ideas and attitudes had no other form of expression other than spoken words.
As a result, the transmission of cultures and traditions was done on individual and collective levels. Furthermore, cultures would be preserved via memory and speech. (Fourie, 2018). -
Arguably beginning with the invention of the telegraph in 1837, the electronic communication culture is characterized by an increase in communicative efficiency via the speed of messaging and the reach of messages which is afforded by the technological scope of contemporary society.
Given the convenience of various forms of electronic communication, such as TV, film, social media etc., electronic communication has become socially significant due to it being the primary method of communication.