DISTINCTION BETWEEN ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: CHARACTERISTICS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The distinction between oral and written communication is in the very nature of language. They are two sides of the same language, but with different codes. These codes affect the meaning of the texts for the receiver.

For this reason, listening to something is not the same as reading it. Oral communication is one that occurs between two or more individuals through speech. Therefore, the tone of voice and gestures are elements that affect oral communication.

It is face-to-face in the event that all individuals are in the same place at the same time. It can also be at a distance, thanks to communication technologies.

For its part, written communication is that which occurs through the written code of the language. Therefore, elements such as punctuation marks and calligraphy affect its meaning. It is a type of communication that is generally used at a distance.

There are fundamental differences between these types of communication. It is not possible to establish whether any is preferable, but rather the specific circumstances are what define its usefulness.

The 6 main differences between written and oral communication

1- Ear - sight

This is the primary difference that gives rise to the rest. Speech is captured by the ear, while written communication is captured by sight.

The medium through which the audience accesses the information also defines the effect it will have on the individual.

two-

Speech is by nature informal, the result of the immediacy with which it is used. This is why it is the most common form of communication on a daily basis.

For its part, written communication requires other protocols, which in turn can give formality to the text. This is one of the reasons that written language is used for formal processes.

3- Feedback - one-way communication

Speech offers the possibility of immediate response. That is, the receiver is able to respond to what the speaker says.

This affects the communicative processes because the intervention of the receiver can even divert the topic under discussion. In this way, aspects that might have been ignored are addressed.

Written communication has only one way; the one who writes. It is not possible to comment to a writer about a paragraph that has just been read.

Thus, the reader's intervention in the communicative process is suppressed, and for this reason there is no feedback.

4- Spontaneous - planned

On the other hand, written communication is designed and planned. This means that the writer can think in detail and calmly put together all the sentences he writes.

Oral communication is the result of the immediate context, it does not take long and arises from the circumstances of the individual. There is no room for preparation.

5- Momentary - durable

While oral communication is not recorded for preservation, written communication is designed to last over time.

Speech is what happens the moment it happens, so there is no evidence of what was said. But writing makes the text perpetual and allows it to be preserved over time.

6- Natural - artificial

Speech is a natural ability of the human being. Individuals learn languages, but no one learns to speak. In this sense, speech is an inherent capacity of the human being.

Written communication is the graphic translation of a language. This translation is done through the language codes. To use written language the individual must learn to write. Therefore speech is natural, while written communication is artificial.

References

1. The importance of effective written communication. (2017) bizfluent.com
2. Oral communication. (2017) oxfordreference.com
3. Differences between oral and written communication. (2017) fido.palermo.edu
4. Differences between oral and written language. (2017) portalacademico.cch.unam.mx
5. Oral communication (2009) icarito.cl