Multimodality in Liturgical Expression: The Case of Textuality and Orality in Syriac Orthodox Liturgies

This paper explores the dynamic interplay between orality and textuality within the liturgical practices of the Syriac Orthodox tradition. It traces the evolution of Syriac liturgical texts, which began as poetic expressions in Late Antiquity and later developed into structured prose formats known as tekse ‘orders.’ The paper examines how liturgical texts function as palimpsests, containing multiple historical layers, and how these texts interact with oral traditions, particularly in the practice of canonical hours and the Eucharistic liturgy. The paper highlights the multimodal nature of Syriac worship, emphasizing the role of auditory, kinesthetic, and textual elements in creating a complex liturgical experience. The paper also considers recent trends, such as the increasing textualisation of traditionally oral elements, and concludes with a call for further study into the transmission history of Syriac liturgical practices, which remains understudied.