Spoken and written language differ in key ways. Spoken language is less structured, more transient unless recorded, uses simpler vocabulary and grammar, gestures, and repetition. Written language is more planned, organized, and uses complex sentences, punctuation, and layout. Spoken language relies on sounds while written relies on letters. Spoken language uses shorter sentences and words, and is more tolerant of redundancy. It is important to understand the differences between spoken and written language to improve communication skills.

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How is spoken
language
different from written
language?
Spoken vs Written
Language
Some key features of
Other Key Features of Spoken Language
written and spoken language
• Repetitive • Gestures - body
• Transient unless language
Written Spoken recorded • Facial expressions
• Simple Vocabulary • Stress
planned generally unplanned • Spoken Grammar • Rhythm
more organized less structured • Intonation • Interruptions
• Variation in speed • Pausing and
transactional (not interactive
• Loudness or phrasing
immediate) (immediate)
softness of voice • 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
Some interesting facts...
language are shown here?
•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 Further Explorations:
language Written
&
different from written Spoken Language
language?
Main Differences
1-Formality:
Sounds Permanency Formality
vs & &
Letters Redundancy Function
Which is usually more formal?
Interaction
Vocabulary
between
& Strategies
listener/reader and
Sentences
speaker/writer
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1-Formality Examples
• because • got you
Examples: • kuz • gotcha
• "I don't wanna go to the party, • "I gotcha that candy bar you
kuz it sounds boring." asked for."
•A written note might say, • bet you • has to
• betcha • hasta
"Would you like to go out to lunch? “ • "I betcha can't eat ten hot • "He hasta know how much he
dogs!" means to me."
• The person who would write that note, • could have + consonant • have to
• kuda • hafta
might alternatively say, in person, • "I hafta clean the house before
I go out."
"You wanna go out for lunch? "
2- Spoken and Written Grammar
• Some grammatical 3. On words and sentences
constructions are only used in
writing, as are some kinds of
vocabulary, such as some Which require simpler words and
complex chemical and legal
terms. shorter sentences?
• 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 4- Sounds and Letters
• Spoken language uses words with fewer syllables than the
written language.
Written:
• Written language tends to be more complex and intricate I want to go to the store
than speech with longer sentences and many subordinate
clauses.
• However some forms of written language, such as instant
Spoken :
messages and email, are closer to spoken language. I wanna go to the store
• Speech usually consists of idea units.
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Sounds and Letters
• Writers can make use of punctuation, headings,
layout, colors and other graphical effects in their
Finally .. redundancy
written texts. Such things are not available in speech
• Speech can use timing, tone, volume, and timbre to Which is more tolerant of
add emotional context.
redundancies and repetitions?
Finally …redundancy Conclusion
• Spoken language tends to be full of
repetitions, incomplete sentences, Why is it important to know the difference
corrections, and interruptions. between spoken and written language?
• Some exceptions to these are formal
speeches and other scripted forms of
speech, such as news reports and
scripts for plays and films.
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/.../Spoken
Spoken%20Vs%20Written
Spoken Written.ppt
Written
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