When is text considered more important than speech in the context of education?

Text is considered more important than speech in the context of education primarily in the development of academic language. Academic language refers to the formal language used in educational contexts that is necessary for success in academic settings. This type of language often involves specific vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and a more formal tone that differs from everyday speech.

When students engage with written texts, they are exposed to this academic language in a structured manner that helps them better understand and utilize it in their own writing and discussions. Reading academic texts enhances their vocabulary and comprehension skills, which are crucial for their overall academic success.

In contrast, fostering social interactions, facilitating casual conversation, or teaching basic phonetics typically relies more heavily on spoken language and informal communication. While these aspects are undoubtedly important in education, they do not emphasize the structured and formal nature of language development that written texts support. Therefore, the role of text becomes paramount in the academic context when students are acquiring the skills necessary for academic success.