Linguistics Broad Question

How is spoken language different from written language?

Main Difference – Spoken vs Written Language

Language can be mainly divided into two main aspects: spoken language and written language. There are many differences between spoken and written language. Spoken language involves speaking and listening skills whereas written language involves reading and writing skills. The main difference between spoken and written language is that written language is more formal and complex than spoken language.

What is Spoken Language

Spoken language is the language we speak. It is often spontaneous and transient. Spoken language is used for interactions; the two speakers or the listener and the speaker are often in the same place. Thus, they can correct any mistake they make and change their utterances as they go along.

With the exception of scripted speeches, spoken language tends to be full of incomplete sentences, repetitions, interruptions, and corrections. Speakers also use gestures, tone, pitch, volume, etc. to create additional meaning in spoken language. Unless the conversation is recorded, there is no record of the spoken language conversation that took place.

Some forms and informal grammatical structures are also specific to spoken language. For example, words and phrases like ‘my bad’, ‘y’know’, ‘busted,’ ’ain’t’ etc. which are sometimes used in spoken language, are rarely used in written language.

What is Written Language

Written language is the language we use to write. The main two language skills used in written language is reading and writing skills. Written language is not transient like spoken language; it tends to be permanent since there are written records of it.

Once you have written something, it is not very easy to change it. Another interesting thing about written language is that the reader and writer are usually communicating across time and space, unlike in spoken language.

Written language is typically more formal, complex and intricate than spoken language. It may contain longer sentences in complex tenses. However, some forms of written language like instant messages and informal letters are closer to spoken language. Written language can make use of features like punctuation, headings, layouts, colors, etc. to make a message clearer. Since written language does not receive immediate feedback, it should be very clear and unambiguous.

 

Spoken vs. Written Language

A key difference between written and spoken languages is that written language tends to be more formal and complex than spoken language. Other differences are:

• Writing is more permanent and less easily changed. Once something is printed, or on the Web, it is out there permanently. Unless the speaker is recorded, however, they can restate their position.
• Except in the case of formal speeches, spoken language is more impromptu. Because of that, it often includes repetitions, interruptions, and incomplete sentences. Writing is more polished.
• Because written language is more complex, it requires punctuation. Punctuation has no equivalent in spoken language. 
• Writing communicates across time and space for as long as the medium exists, and that particular language is understood. Speech is more immediate.
• Except with text messages, computer chats, or similar technology, writers can't receive immediate feedback to know whether their message is understood or not. Speakers do receive feedback and can clarify or answer questions as needed.
• Written and spoken communication use different types of language. Slang and tags, for example, are more often used when speaking. 
• Spoken language involves speaking and listening skills, while written language requires writing and reading skills.
• The spoken language uses tone and pitch to improve understanding; written language can only use layout and punctuation.