Language is the most immediate form of communication in the human species. Over the years , different mediums of communication have evolved.
Spoken and written language are two such mediums of communication. While it may be suggested that both the types of communication stand alike, they have considerable differences.
Written vs Spoken Language
The difference between written and spoken language is that written language is permanent because it is present in records. On the other hand, spoken Language is temporary because it has no records. Slang and tags find no place in written language. In contrast, slang and tags are a more commonplace trend in spoken language because it is mostly informal language.
Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!
Written language refers to a form of communication that makes the use of reading and writing skills. Thus, literacy is a prerequisite for written language.
In most situations, it is not possible for individuals to receive feedback on their written language. Due to the absence of immediate feedback in written language, it is important that written language is clear and precise.
Spoken language refers to the form of communication that makes a dominant use of speaking and listening skills. Spoken language often takes place on the spot.
As a consequence, spoken language may make extensive use of repetitions, incomplete sentences, and interruptions. In addition, spoken language eliminates the need for punctuation, though it may require exclamations.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Written Language | Spoken Language |
|---|---|---|
| Elements | The main elements of written language are punctuation and layout. | The most important element for understanding spoken language is tone and pitch. |
| Literacy | Literacy is a prerequisite for written language. | Spoken language usually eliminates the need for literacy. |
| Components | Slang and tags find no place in written language. | Slang and tags are a more commonplace trend in spoken language because it is mostly informal language. |
| Permanence | Written language is permanent because it is present in records. | Spoken Language is temporary because it has no records. |
| Feedback | In most situations, it is not possible for individuals to receive feedback on their written language. | People who engage in spoken language are often able to get immediate feedback about their speaking skills and the possible improvements. |
What is Written Language?
Written language refers to a form of communication that makes the use of reading and writing skills. Thus, literacy is a prerequisite for written language.
Written language offers little flexibility as it is not open to changes and remains relatively permanent. For instance, when information is printed in the newspaper or made available on the web, it has a permanent place.
Written language involves more sophistication as compared to spoken language. Due to the complex nature of written language, it makes use of several punctuation marks such as commas, full stops, colons, semi-colons, and hyphens.
In most situations, it is not possible for individuals to receive feedback on their written language.
The language used for writing requires more thought and consistency. Moreover, slang and tags find no place in written language.
The main elements of written language are punctuation and layout. It is crucial to plan the structure of writing to convey an idea effectively. The use of punctuation marks further expresses the right emotions and meanings at the right time.
Two interesting features of written language are that it is often appealing and inrictate to the viewer’s eye. Written language provides room for the expression of the creativity, originality, and imagination of an individual.
Due to the absence of immediate feedback in written language, it is important that written language is clear and precise.
What is Spoken Language?
Spoken language refers to the form of communication that makes a dominant use of speaking and listening skills. Spoken language usually eliminates the need for literacy.
The most important element for understanding spoken language is tone and pitch. In addition, spoken language eliminates the need for punctuation, though it may require exclamations.
Spoken language allows for a flexible and convenient approach because a speaker can change his stance at any time unless his opinions are recorded. Spoken language often takes place on the spot.
As a consequence, spoken language may make extensive use of repetitions, incomplete sentences, and interruptions.
People who engage in spoken language are often able to get immediate feedback about their speaking skills and the possible improvements.
In addition, slang and tags are a more commonplace trend in spoken language because it is mostly informal language. Spoken language can be converted into written language by employing the process of subtitling.
Spoken language is one of oldest forms of communications that has existed in mankind. The most important reason for this is its relative simplicity and informality as compared to the written language.
Moreover, spoken language communication takes place between individuals who are usually at the same place. To conclude, spoken language is a temporary form of communication.
Main Differences Between Written and Spoken Language
- The main elements of written language are punctuation and layout. On the other hand, the most important element for understanding spoken language is tone and pitch.
- In most situations, it is not possible for individuals to receive feedback on their written language. In contrast, people who engage in spoken language are often able to get immediate feedback about their speaking skills and the possible improvements.
- Written language is permanent because it is present in records. On the other hand, spoken Language is temporary because it has no records.
- Slang and tags find no place in written language. In contrast, slang and tags are a more commonplace trend in spoken language because it is mostly informal language.
- Literacy is a prerequisite for written language. On the other hand, spoken language usually eliminates the need for literacy.
- https://blog.andovar.com/3-ways-differences-in-spoken-and-written-language-affect-subtitling#:~:text=Spoken%20language%20involves%20speaking%20and,only%20use%20layout%20and%20punctuation.
- https://pediaa.com/difference-between-spoken-and-written-language/
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
