Which of the following best describes the nature of written language according to the flashcards?

Written language is often characterized as permanent and reliant on the author’s structure. This permanence refers to the fact that once something is written down, it can be preserved and referenced over time, unlike spoken language, which disappears after it is uttered. This characteristic allows written language to convey messages that can be reviewed and analyzed, providing a historical record of thoughts, ideas, and communications.

Additionally, written language inherently relies on the author’s structure, as the way a writer organizes their thoughts, sentences, and paragraphs significantly affects the clarity and effectiveness of the message. The choices made by the author regarding syntax, vocabulary, and overall organization shape how the text is perceived and understood by readers. Thus, the combination of permanence and structural reliance makes this description particularly apt for written language.