Oral vs Written Communication: Key Differences & Analysis

Posted on Jan 11, 2025 in Electronics

Linguistic Skills: Oral vs. Written Communication

ITEM 5. (Listening). LINGUISTIC SKILLS: The use of language can only be done in 4 different ways that the user must master to communicate.

Differences between oral and written communication: oral and ear canal.

The differences between oral and written language have been much studied. On one hand, there is the question of the relationship of the two linguistic codes: whether oral came before written, if they depend on each other, or if these are two different styles of language. This discussion has important didactic implications, as the code that is considered basic and prominent receives better treatment in school. By contrast, a widespread view today considers both terms equivalent and autonomous, with different and complementary social functions, so in language learning, they should receive separate treatment tailored to the needs of students. Another point of interest to scholars is the characteristics of both modes of language.

Spoken language is more colloquial, subjective, redundant, and open, with a simpler syntax and a poor glossary. In general, written language is usually standard, objective, accurate, and closed. The third aspect studied is related to language abilities and communication, and refers to situations in oral and written communication. The following chart summarizes the main differences of the oral and written channels.

Oral Channel:

  • Hearing Channel: The receiver perceives the text through the ear.
  • The recipient receives the various signs of the text in turn.
  • Spontaneous Communication: The issuer may amend, but not erase, what has been said. The receiver is required to understand the text at the time of broadcasting and as issued.
  • Immediate Communication: in time and space. The oral code is faster and more agile.
  • Ephemeral Communication: Sounds are audible only during the short time they last in the air.
  • Uses many nonverbal cues: physiology and dress, body movement, behavior, tactile, etc.
  • There is interaction during the broadcast of the text. While speaking, the issuer sees the reaction of the recipient and can modify their speech accordingly.
  • The extralinguistic context plays a very important role. The oral code relies on nonverbal codes, deixis, and so on.

Written Channel:

  • Visual Channel: The recipient reads the text through the eye. The visual channel has a higher transmission capacity than auditory information.
  • The intended recipient receives signs simultaneously. This involves different comprehension strategies for each channel.
  • Elaborated Communication: The issuer can edit and redo the text while writing. The reader can choose when and how to read, and can reread the text.
  • Deferred Communication: in time and space.
  • Durable Communication: Letters are written in a stable form and endure. The written channel acquires the social value of witnessing and recording the facts.
  • Uses only visual cues: the arrangement of space and text, texture of the support, etc.
  • There is no interaction during the written composition. The writer cannot know the real reaction of the reader.
  • Context is less important. The written channel is autonomous. The author creates the context as they write the text.