Spoken and Written Modes

The mode is the medium of communication, which divides fundamentally into speech and writing. These are in fact very different communications systems which are used to convey different forms of a single language. While the spoken mode is coded in sounds the written mode is coded in symbols and the two different codings each bring with them significant features. However, many people imagine spoken and written English are closely related notions. Close examination reveals that there are as many differences as there are connections.

The written mode uses its own versions of speech features, which can be shown in the following table. The written form's most important characteristic is that, unlike the immediacy of speech, there is the opportunity to revise and correct.

Writing is long lasting while speech is ephemeral.
Each mode may range from spontaneous, (a casual conversation or a scribbled written note) to planned (a prepared talk or a formal essay).

See also the materials on scripted and unscripted conversations

One area where speech and writing join is in the language of the deaf. Start here at the Deaf Resource Library and find out about varieties of deaf languages and how they communicate using signs and gestures instead of sounds.