What is the difference between the spoken English language and written English language?

Answer 1

Written English is most often planned, while spoken English is most often unplanned. This results in many differences.

In written English, complex (subordinate clause(s) + main clause) and compound (multiple main clauses, which are joined together with conjunctions) sentences are common. Written sentences also tend to be longer.

In spoken English, however, sentences are usually simple and shorter. Sometimes what can be classified as a compound sentence comes up, but it is usually just a string of short, simple sentences connected with an 'and' or 'but', which is used by the speaker to signal that they are not done talking.

Written English also usually uses standard grammar. In spoken, non-standard subject-verb agreements, ellipsis of auxiliary and/or subject, non-standard word order, fragmented sentences etc. are all very common.

Written English usually uses more jargon, while spoken uses more slang. This is because written is usually in a more formal register than spoken.

Spoken English also makes use of more than just words - context cues, tone, gestures, eye contact and body language all play a part in spoken communication, while written English lacks these.

Spoken English also contains discourse particles such as, 'like', 'so yeah' and 'y'know'. As much as they are disliked by the 'elite', they do serve many functions. 'Like' can be used to soften the blow of a statement ("I'm, like, kind of busy tomorrow."), or to indicate that something was said or thought ("She was like, 'Whatever.'"). 'Y'know' can be used to include the audience, ("VCE's just so busy, y'know?"), or to confirm that the audience has understood.

Spoken English also contains non-fluency features, due to being largely unplanned and spontaneous. For example, pause-fillers. Pause fillers are words such as 'um' and 'er', that have no meaning by themselves, but are used to fill pauses in conversation and to indicate that the speaker has not finished talking. Spoken English also contains repetition and self-correction - again, because it is spontaneous. Overlaps and interruptions are also common, as speech is usually dialogue. Some overlaps are not neccessarily used to override the current speaker - many overlaps are just listeners giving support and recognition, by saying things like, 'yeah', 'uhuh' and 'I know what you mean'.

I hope this has helped! = )

Answer 2

The spoken English language is characterized by informal language, contractions, and spoken accents, while the written English language follows more formal rules of grammar and structure. Spoken English may include slang, colloquialisms, and non-standard grammar, while written English tends to be more standardized and adheres to specific writing conventions.