Speech Vs Writi-1
Speech Vs Writi-1
Differences between writing and speech. Written and spoken language differ in many ways. However
some forms of writing are closer to speech than others, and vice versa. ... Speech is usually transient,
unless recorded, and speakers can correct themselves and change their utterances as they go along.
Speaking is harder in many ways than writing because it is performance. ... Writing is harder in some
ways than speaking. Writing must be self contained: there is no body language or vocal emphasis as
everything must be in the words themselves. But the ability to revise and edit dozens of times narrows
the gap
Written and spoken language differ in many ways. However some forms of writing are closer to speech
than others, and vice versa. Below are some of the ways in which these two forms of language differ:
Writing is usually permanent and written texts cannot usually be changed once they have been
printed/written out.
Speech is usually transient, unless recorded, and speakers can correct themselves and change their
utterances as they go along. A written text can communicate across time and space for as long as the
particular language and writing system is still understood.
Written language tends to be more complex and intricate than speech with longer sentences and many
subordinate clauses. The punctuation and layout of written texts also have no spoken equivalent.
However some forms of written language, such as instant messages and email, are closer to spoken
language.Spoken language tends to be full of repetitions, incomplete sentences, corrections and
interruptions, with the exception of formal speeches and other scripted forms of speech, such as news
reports and scripts for plays and films.
Writers receive no immediate feedback from their readers, except in computer-based communication.
Therefore they cannot rely on context to clarify things so there is more need to explain things clearly
and unambiguously than in speech, except in written correspondence between people who know one
another well.Speech is usually a dynamic interaction between two or more people. Context and shared
knowledge play a major role, so it is possible to leave much unsaid or indirectly implied.
Writers can make use of punctuation, headings, layout, colours 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.
Written material can be read repeatedly and closely analysed, and notes can be made on the writing
surface. Only recorded speech can be used in this way.Some grammatical constructions are only used in
writing, as are some kinds of vocabulary, such as some complex chemical and legal terms.
The purpose of all language is to communicate - that is, to move thoughts or information from one
person to another person.
There are always at least two people in any communication. To communicate, one person must put
something "out" and another person must take something "in". We call this "output" (>>>) and "input"
So language consists of four "skills": two for output (speaking and writing); and two for input (listening
and reading. We can say this another way - two of the skills are for "spoken" communication and two of
the skills are for "written" communication:
Spoken:
Written:
Status
When we learn our own (native) language, learning to speak comes before learning to write. In fact, we
learn to speak almost automatically. It is natural. But somebody must teach us to write. It is not natural.
In one sense, speaking is the "real" language and writing is only a representation of speaking. However,
for centuries, people have regarded writing as superior to speaking. It has a higher "status". This is
perhaps because in the past almost everybody could speak but only a few people could write. But as we
shall see, modern influences are changing the relative status of speaking and writing.
We usually speak in a much less formal, less structured way. We do not always use full sentences and
correct grammar. The vocabulary that we use is more familiar and may include slang. We usually speak
in a spontaneous way, without preparation, so we have to make up what we say as we go. This means
that we often repeat ourselves or go off the subject. However, when we speak, other aspects are
present that are not present in writing, such as facial expression or tone of voice. This means that we
can communicate at several levels, not only with words.