N-SING (尤指与言语或绘画、电影等其他表达形式相对的)书面语 You use the written word to refer to language expressed in writing, especially when contrasted with speech or with other forms of expression such as painting or film. (尤指与言语或绘画、电影等其他表达形式相对的)书面语
Even in the 18th century scholars continued to give primacy to the written word.