Oral Language vs Written Language

1、ORAL Language&Written LanguageCONTENTS1. The definition of oral language1.1 What is oral language?1.2 The differences between oral language and written communication2. Oral Education2.1 Why we need to learn oral language?2.2 How we learn it?1. The definition of oral language1.1 What is oral language

2、?To find out the definition of oral language, we must first be sure what language is. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) defines language as “A code made up of rules that include what words mean, how to make words, how to put them together, and what word combinations are best in

3、 what situations. Speech is the oral form of language.” In fact, oral language is more than a speech. It refers to the act of speaking and listening. The main components for the oral language skill set may include your word knowledge (which depends on the vocabulary building), your language understa

4、nding (which means semantic and comprehension ability) and your structured thinking (which is also known as logistic thinking or elaborate thoughts). Of course, there should be a place for sentence structure on which education pays most attention, or in the other word, grammar. However, no one will

5、really care a lot on the grammar when he is talking with others. Even a native speaker will wonder how can language learners design such complex rules for daily speaking. 1.2 The differences between oral language and written communicationIt is universally known that there must be differences between

6、 oral and written language. All communication includes the transfers of information, for that people all speak and write in their own way of thinking. The communication reflects their mind so that there are no two people alike. While writing is a static form of transfer, always more formal and full

7、of culture, speaking is a dynamic transfer of information, always decorated with some hot words and slangs. To be an effective speaker, you should exploit the dynamism of oral communication, but also learn to work within its limitations. W. Chafe, an American educator, claimed that,”Oral language wi

8、th its structural fragmentation has a close involvement with the speakers and the detachment; written language with its structural integration does not rely on the detachment.” Just like speakers prefer using “and” and “but” to connect simple sentences, and avert the use of subordinate clause or com

9、plex sentences, which are always highly recommended when you what to write an article. Here I will list some of the differences: From “Screening for Speech and Language Delay in Preschool Children” From英语口语和书面语语体特征比较1.2.1 Grammatical DifferenceFrom the perspective of grammar, there are many obvious

10、differences between the bodies of oral and written language. In addition to everyday casual conversation, speaking can also include formal talks, reports, speeches, debates, live commentary and story telling. The sentence structure, words and expressions are different from the written form. The spea

11、ker can speak and think at the same time, and even changing words and correcting the error are allowed. Usually in daily conversation, people casually dont mind the grammatical problem. Cmon I just speak what I want to, and in the way I feel comfortable.Written language is more rigorous. Attention w

12、ill be paid to accuracy, rigor and integrity. Adverbial phrases, participial phrases and nominative structure are extensively used.1.2.2 Vocabular DifferenceOral communication use words with fewer syllables than the written language does to make the sentence shorter. And in oral communication, peopl

13、e usually use the words that full of sense of speaking, like fashionable words, two-part allegorical sayings, colloquialism, slangs, phrasal verbs, exc. These kinds of words can make the speech live and easygoing, which can be commonly understood. What is more? Self-referencing pronouns such as I ar

14、e common.In contrast, written language prefers to add some big words in the text to create an atmosphere or describe the details. The written language is always more precise. Written words can be chosen with greater deliberation and thought. For examples, “witnessed” is used to replace the word “see

15、n”, “inflated” for “blown up”, “consider” for “think”, “investigate” for “look into”. The attribute of writing will never be too much. The author can write and rewrite at great length. Similarly, the reader can read quickly or slowly. The written word appeals more to a contemplative, deliberative st

16、yle.1.2.3 Structural DifferenceWritten language is the result of re-organization and re-consideration. An excellent article is usually made up of clear plan, well organization and careful arrangement. Each paragraph must clarify one of the main points of the author. So it is always full of logics an

17、d preparations. When people speak, they always choose some phrases, which will not be seen in any paragraph, only to build a contact with the listener. And also they will put some remendy words to make their talk fluent, and to give a pause for hesitant and thinking. This kind of remendy words inclu

18、des “you know”, “wait a moment”, “let me see”, “I think”, and the easiest: “well”. Adding the words cannot only help the communication flow freely, but also keep the speakers casual. What is more, in oral communication, when sometimes people fail to find a exact expression or precision is not needed

19、, some relatively obscure words will be chosen, such as: everybody knows, why, as if, exc.1.2.4 Visual DifferencePeople usually describe written language as paper and ink, which means in written form all readers can see is the writing features. Segmentation, punctuation, line, quotation marks, itali

20、cs and abbreviations indicate its characteristics.However, oral language can have a better visual feeling. There will be facial expressions, tone of voice and body language that show clearly the speakers intentions. In addition, your language features, intonation, stress, pause, reflecting the chara

21、cteristics of body image, can also make an impression on the listeners. Speaking of stress, it is one of the most important means to show the emotion. Putting stress on different words, attitudes can be totally different. Sometimes stress and prolonged sound can lead your saying to a totally differe

22、nt meaning. On the other hand, oral communication can be more effective in expressing meaning to an audience. This distinction between precision and effectiveness is due to the extensive repertoire of signals available to the speaker. A speaker has significantly more control over what the listener w

23、ill hear than the writer has over what the reader will read. 1.2.5 Difference of Sentential FormsWritten LanguageOral LanguageRelated Wordstherefore, thus, hence, as a result, accordingly, consequentlyand, soStructureuse participial phrases, participle, absolute constructions as adverbialscommonly u

24、se compound sentences or simple sentencesSentence Patterncommonly associated prepositions and related wordsuse elliptical sentences, incomplete sentences, etc.2. Oral Education2.1 Why we need to learn oral language?Oral language is the foundation for student learning. It is essential for literacy le

25、arning, and successful use of language is critical for students wellbeing. Almost all classroom-based learning relies on oral language. Just as a famous American educator as well as psychologist pointed out “Proficiency in oral language provides children with a vital tool for thought. Without fluent

26、 and structured oral language, children will find it very difficult to think.” So does everybody. People vary in their ability to use their existing language in order to learn or to work. The level of oral language knowledge and competency of some students is substantially different from the demands

27、 of the curriculum.2.2 How we learn it?-by watching TV seriesRecommendations:Orange County 橘子郡男孩Friends 老友记Frazier 欢乐一家亲24 24小时Lost 迷失The Simpsons 辛普森一家Desperate Housewives 绝望的主妇The Monk 神探阿蒙Will & Grace 威尔和格蕾丝The Sopranos 黑道家族Prison Break 越狱Growing Pains 成长的烦恼C.S.I. 犯罪现场Sex and The City 欲望都市-by spe

28、aking with native speakerIn fact, native speakers are everywhere, as long as you really want one. There is English Corner in most high schools and universities, in which you can definitely find a talkative speaker. Or maybe you can go to a tourist attraction, and offer your help to them. Have a talk with them, even just from simply “Can I help you?” Then, you will find out how easy making a friend with a native speaker is.-by singing English songsOf course I mean ballads, with lyrics that really have some meanings. By singing, you can catch the pace at wh