Preliterate (adjective)

1. Existing or occurring before the development of writing and literature.
2. Not having the ability to read or write.
3. Belonging to a society or culture that has not yet developed a writing system.

Origin:

Late 19th century: from pre- + literate.

Examples:

1. Preliterate societies relied on oral tradition to pass down their history and beliefs.
2. The preliterate tribes in the Amazon had no written records of their customs.
3. The preliterate era in human history was marked by a reliance on symbols and pictograms.
4. Many preliterate cultures had complex social structures and religious practices.
5. The study of preliterate societies provides valuable insights into the development of human civilization.