Written vs Spoken Language: Difference and Comparison

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 types of communication stand alike, they have considerable differences. 

Key Takeaways

1. Written language is a form of communication that uses written symbols, while spoken language is a form of communication that uses spoken words.
2. Written language is more formal and follows a standardized set of rules, while spoken language is more casual and can vary based on the situation and the speaker.
3. Written language is used for formal communication, while spoken language is used for everyday communication.

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 they are mostly informal. 

Written language refers to a form of communication that makes 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 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 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 writing structure 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 intricate 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 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 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 the oldest forms of communication 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 in the same place. To conclude, spoken language is a temporary form of communication.

Main Differences Between Written and Spoken Language 

1. 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. 
2.  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 possible improvements.
3. Written language is permanent because it is present in records. On the other hand, spoken Language is temporary because it has no records.
4. Slang and tags find no place in written language. In contrast, slang and tags are a more commonplace trend in spoken language because they are mostly informal. 
5. Literacy is a prerequisite for written language. On the other hand, spoken language eliminates the need for literacy.

References

1. 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. 
2. https://pediaa.com/difference-between-spoken-and-written-language/