Do you find it easy to speak in English, but have a harder time writing in English?
Or is it the other way around?
Most English learners complain about one of them (sometimes both 😉).
But actually, while they are both the same language, there are some significant differences in the way we write and speak in English.
Here are some of the differences:
- Speech is usually between two or more people. We use body language, face expressions and tone of voice (non-verbal language) to imply a lot of information, so there is often much we leave unsaid.
- Spoken language tends to be full of repetitions, incomplete sentences, corrections, and interruptions. We get a bit lazy.
- Written language doesn't have the benefits of non-verbal language. So, it tends to be more complex than speech with longer sentences and many subordinate clauses.
- Writers can make use of punctuation, headings, layout, colours and other graphical effects in their written texts. Such things are not available in speech.
Don’t take it for granted that if you are a good writer, you will be a good speaker as well. Or the other way around.
Writing good English and Speaking great English are two different arts to be improved through regular practice.
Just make sure you spend some time also learning the differences between written and spoken English. Focus on improving the different skills at the same time.
Then you can ensure that you will be able to communicate effectively in both.
Watch the video below to get a little more information...
