Impact of the written word on the being

 

  The biology of humans are rooted in experiencing the world, not in thinking about the world. The cognitive system and the physiological systems are constituted in order to make sense of the world. However, constant engagement with the written word during the formative stage configures both the systems to engage with the written word. Fundamental changes happens to the functioning of the eye, memory, ear and also to the cognitive process.

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Eye

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  Constant engagement with literacy changes the way eye is used. Instead of seeing, which is its physiological function, it gets used for thinking. The constant focal length within a frame causes the peripheral vision to function less and less. In its normal functioning, the eye, uses two functions which is –

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(a) To scan the whole and (b) attend to the particulars. This focusing and de-focusing way of attention is the normal way of seeing. The need for two eyes, the cones and the rods in the retina are meant for seeing the three-dimensionality of the world.  The two-dimensional page/screen totally changes the process. As the eye is used more and more for thinking, its ability to see is numbed. 

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Ear

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  Literacy shifts sounds to words, yet again transforming the mental processing abilities. In the class room the sound 'knife' becomes a word, whereas in the kitchen it becomes a sound.

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Memory

 

  The physiological process of memory also gets rewired due to literacy, as the eye shifts to reading and thinking. In its natural process whatever comes in front of the eye during its scanning period, gets stored without conscious awareness. When need arises recollection of what has been seen happens.

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  Conscious memorization of information, devoid of experiential reference, disturbs the organic recollection and the process of organic memorization. In natural and organic process of memorization the input is usually multi-sensory and there is an integral connection to experience. The classroom totally disrupts this organic and integral connection with life.

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  In natural learning process conscious memorization has no role. The organic nature of learning makes us remember things in a manner which would allow recollection at the apt moment.