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Spoken vs. Written Language Differences

This document compares and contrasts spoken and written language across six categories: 1) extra-linguistic information, 2) feedback, 3) grammatical features, 4) vocabulary, 5) phonological features, and 6) functions. Spoken language contains more ambiguous extra-linguistic cues, immediate feedback, incomplete structures, filler words, and fulfills social functions. Written language contains less cues, delayed feedback, more formal structures and vocabulary, and focuses on logical development and precision of ideas. Overall, spoken language is more spontaneous while written language allows more planning and editing.

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WANDA AFRILIA GARINI 2020
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37 views2 pages

Spoken vs. Written Language Differences

This document compares and contrasts spoken and written language across six categories: 1) extra-linguistic information, 2) feedback, 3) grammatical features, 4) vocabulary, 5) phonological features, and 6) functions. Spoken language contains more ambiguous extra-linguistic cues, immediate feedback, incomplete structures, filler words, and fulfills social functions. Written language contains less cues, delayed feedback, more formal structures and vocabulary, and focuses on logical development and precision of ideas. Overall, spoken language is more spontaneous while written language allows more planning and editing.

Uploaded by

WANDA AFRILIA GARINI 2020
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SPOKEN AND WRITTEN LANGUAGE

SPOKEN LANGUAGE WRITTEN LANGUAGE


1. Extra lingual information may be 1. Less extra-lingual information can be
derived. clarified e.g. child’s writing. Slower–
sex, age, class, etc. Faster – prepared,
spontaneous – off-the-top of the head. Can refer back at random
More ambiguous and immediate. Can
be planned.
2. Feedback 2 Feedback
a. Oral: (sound): ‘I see’, giggles. a. ‘Delayed’ feedback
b. Visual: nods, smiles, clock- b. All types of feedback in other
watching, gestures, bewildered column absent
expressions etc [Extra-Linguistic} c. Balance of different types of
body language, watching, sentences depending on effect
gestures. required.
c. Para-linguistic: Mood more
easily recognised.
d. Special case: telephone
conversation – no
3. Grammatical Features 3 Grammatical Features
a. incomplete structures a. Features mentioned in opposite
b. interrupted structures column are tidied up.
c. altered structures b. Time allows re-reading and
d. spoken (voiced) pauses correcting
e. Long meandering compound c. Punctuation helps bring order.
sentences using ‘and’.

4. Vocabulary 4. Vocabulary
Tendency to use: Tendency to use:
a. slang and more simple words eg a. formal words – slang avoided
doctor v medical practitioner b. technical words; eg legal jargon
b. imprecise references – eg. in c. more precision eg. former, latter,
time, soon, later, in a minute, above
refer to people as them/they. d. swear words usually avoided
c. swear words e. ’educated’ language
d. colloquial f. time taken to select correct word
e. limited vocabulary g. polysyllabic words
f. often more monosyllabic words
g. use of ‘fillers’
h. dialect/accent/regional words
5. Phonological Features 5. Phonological Features
a. Intonation: This can alter the a. Intonation: Some direct speech
meaning considerably can convey this (eg he said
b. Pauses: These can be used for threateningly) and not always
stress, climax, or may occur prior clearly.
to selection of a hard-to-find b. Pauses: These can be conveyed
word. by punctuation, but punctuation
c. Speed: May provide information is only an approximation to
on the confidence/nervousness/ pausing.
urgency of the speaker. c. Speed: Not relevant.
6. Functions 6. Functions
The purpose of spoken language a. Functions mentioned in opposite
involves more than just the column are either irrelevant in a
communication of ideas. written context or cannot be
Includes: - getting things done - conveyed in the same way. e.g.
letting off steam - filling in anger must be expressed in a
embarrassing gaps Great amount of more controlled way.
repetition saying the same thing b. Some written language intended
several times in different ways. to be spoken (spoken prose) eg
Argument has more logical notice bulletins, formal prayers,
development. play scripts etc.
c. Logical development of ideas
Argument is easier to follow.

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