Why Writing Still Matters
Written Communication in Changing Times

A new analysis and exploration of writing practices that takes into account the radical impact of digital technologies of communication.

Guy Merchant (Author)

9781009268684, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 7 September 2023

280 pages
27 x 18 x 1.9 cm, 0.473 kg

Writing surrounds us, it informs us, it guides us, and it controls us. The power and complexity of this exceptional human invention is a story of change. However, in today's digital world, technology has drastically altered how and where we write, what we write about, and what writing looks like. This fascinating book presents a compelling argument for the vital importance of writing, and considers where its future may lie. Richly illustrated with examples of writing practices old and new, it explores the significant changes in writing that have occurred in our lifetime, and highlights how technology has challenged some of our most deeply held views about human communication. Through a careful examination of how writing works, it explores how it can be considered as a technology, inviting us to think again about this visual language that we so often take for granted. Writing matters – now, more than ever before.

Introduction
Part I. Impressions: 1. Writing – a visible language
2. The matter of writing
3. Writing spaces – design and display
4. The promise of writing
Part II. Expressions: 5. Writing, power and regulation
6. Writing and knowing
7. Writing narrative
8. Writing, connecting and organizing
9. Writing futures
Conclusion
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Linguistics [CF]