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Spoken Spoken vsvs Written Written LanguageLanguage

How is spoken How is spoken

language language

different from written different from written

language?language?

Some key features of Some key features of

written and spoken language written and spoken language

Written

planned

more organized

transactional (not

immediate)

Spoken

generally unplanned

less structured

interactive

(immediate)

Other Key Features of Spoken Language

• Repetitive

• Transient unless recorded

• Simple Vocabulary

• Spoken Grammar

• Intonation

• Variation in speed

• Loudness or

softness of voice

• Gestures - body

language

• Facial expressions

• Stress

• Rhythm

• Interruptions

• Pausing and phrasing

• Immediate feedback

What features of spoken language are shown here? Other Key Features of Written Language

•Permanent material record•Possibility of multiple drafts

•Lexical density•Complex and intricate

•Written grammar•Lay-out and graphical effects

•Punctuation marks•Usually no immediate feedback

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What features of written language are shown here?

Some interesting facts...

•Speech comes before writing historically.

•Many languages lack a written form.

•Many individuals cannot use written language.

•Children automatically learn to speak,

but have to be taught how to read.

How is spoken How is spoken

language language

different from written different from written

language?language?

Further Explorations:

Written &

Spoken Language

Main Differences

Soundsvs

Letters

Permanency&

Redundancy

Formality &

Function

Vocabulary &

SentencesStrategies

Interaction between

listener/reader and

speaker/writer

1-Formality:

Which is usually more formal?

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1-Formality

Examples:

•A written note might say,

"Would you like to go out to lunch? “

• The person who would write that note, might alternatively say, in person,

"You wanna go out for lunch? "

Examples

• because • kuz • "I don't wanna go to the party,

kuz it sounds boring."

• bet you • betcha • "I betcha can't eat ten hot

dogs!"

• could have + consonant • kuda

• got you • gotcha • "I gotcha that candy bar you

asked for."

• has to • hasta • "He hasta know how much he

means to me."

• have to • hafta • "I hafta clean the house before

I go out."

2- Spoken and Written Grammar

• Some grammatical constructions are only used in

writing, as are some kinds of

vocabulary, such as some

complex chemical and legal terms.

• Some types of vocabulary are

used only or mainly in speech.

These include slang expressions, and tags like

y'know, like, etc.

3. On words and sentences

Which require simpler words and

shorter sentences?

3. On words and sentences

• Spoken language uses words with fewer syllables than the

written language.

• Written language tends to be more complex and intricate than speech with longer sentences and many subordinate clauses.

• However some forms of written language, such as instant messages and email, are closer to spoken language.

• Speech usually consists of idea units.

4- Sounds and Letters

Written:

I want to go to the store

Spoken :

I wanna go to the store

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Sounds and Letters

• Writers can make use of punctuation, headings, layout, colors and other graphical effects in their

written texts. Such things are not available in speech

• Speech can use timing, tone, volume, and timbre to

add emotional context.

Finally .. redundancy

Which is more tolerant of redundancies and repetitions?

Finally …redundancy

• Spoken language tends to be full of repetitions, incomplete sentences, corrections, and interruptions.

• Some exceptions to these are formal speeches and other scripted forms of speech, such as news reports and scripts for plays and films.

Conclusion

Why is it important to know the difference

between spoken and written language?

Why is it important to know the difference between spoken and written language?

-To improve our communication skills by using

appropriate forms and strategies

-Examples

-Using shorter sentences and simpler words when speaking.

-Using appropriate pausing and intonation when

speaking.

-For writing?

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Partial List of Sources or References

• http://www.textator.lv/en/articles/internet-texts/instant-

messaging/spoken-vs-written-language

• http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-written-

and-spoken-language/

• www.willis-elt.co.uk/documents/Fullhandout_000.doc

• faculty.ksu.edu.sa/inaam/Stylistics/.../SpokenSpokenSpokenSpoken%20Vs%20WrittenWrittenWrittenWritten.ppt