The Features of Written Language and Speech

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The Features of Written Language and Speech

In English language there are two different ways of actually

presenting language. These are written language and speech. These two

factors of speech both include many different features between

themselves. These features are mostly opposite to each other as they

are completely different ways of presenting language.

Written language is structured into paragraphs unlike general speech

which is hardly thought about before being said and is flowing

naturally. There is also syntax used in writing as sentences are

structured as more time and thought is put into writing, however in

speech, sentences are less structured and there are a variety of short

and long sentences. Punctuation is not used in speech as we acquire

the language naturally, whereas in written language there are many

different punctuation symbols which are used to identify certain

things for instance: pauses, lists, a signal for speech and also many

other symbols, this creates a certain effect which allows a reader to

read a piece of writing with pace and fluency.

When speaking not much thought is put into it as in most general

conversations speech is spontaneous, which follows onto the use of

less formal words in English language. These words are known as slang

words as they are not officially words in the English language however

they are words which English people use. These words also known as

dialect tend to change from different regions in the country just like

accents do. However, when writing the language used becomes

contradictory to speech as it is very much formal in most situations

and it leaves less opportunity...

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...dge of from a

very young age. The tools needed to write are a pen and paper however

in medieval times writings were usually written upon stones. No tools

are required for speaking; only the ability to speak and a voice are

needed.

Many people use body language when their talking to reflect exactly

what they mean, they also use facial expressions to show emotion. This

shows that without actually being able to speak there are still ways

to communicate. An example of this is when deaf people use sign

language, it is not straightforward but it shows that it can be done

if it is needed.

There are many more features to spoken language compared to written

language. Nevertheless, this does not mean that one is more important

than another as they both co-ordinate together to create the universal

language of English.

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