Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between

Home / Language / Difference Between Sign Language and Spoken Language

Difference Between Sign Language and Spoken Language

May 19, 2015 Posted by Admin

Sign Language vs Spoken Language
 

The difference between sign language and spoken language is in the way they convey information. In the modern world, a number of languages are in use. Some of these are spoken languages while others are sign languages. These two types of languages are different from one another and should be viewed as natural languages. A spoken language can be understood as an auditory and a vocal language. A sign language is a language where gestures and facial expressions are used in order to convey information. This is the main difference between the two languages. However, it has to be stated that both languages can be used to convey all sorts of information. It can be news, conversations about day to day activities, stories, narrations, etc. Through this article let us examine the differences between the two languages.

What is Spoken Language?

A spoken language can also be considered as an oral language. This is because it uses various sound patterns to convey a message to another. These sound patterns are referred to as vocal tracts. In spoken language, there are many linguistic elements such as vowels, consonants, and even the tone. The tone of the speaker is very significant because in most cases the meaning is conveyed through the change in the speaker’s tone. One can even state that, in spoken language, the context of the speaker is of great importance in grasping the meaning. We can express the same set of words and convey a different meaning by changing our tone.

In the spoken language, grammar plays a key role, in conveying the message to the listener. Words are put together into phrases and sentences, where rules of grammar strictly apply. For very small children, the language that they hear all the time becomes their first language because this is acquired with least effort through usage and the surrounding environment.

Difference Between Sign Language and Spoken Language

English Alphabet

What is Sign Language?

A sign language is quite different to a spoken language. It is a language where gestures and facial expressions are used in order to convey information instead of vocal tracts. This is one of the key differences between a sign language and a spoken language. Just as spoken languages, there are a number of sign languages in the world. Some of these are recognized world over. In every country, there is one or more sign languages used by people. These are used by deaf and blind individuals.

Research that have been conducted on sign language has emphasized that, just as oral languages, sign languages are not mere gestures but are complex systems that have specific linguistic properties. Most people believe that sign languages have derived from spoken languages. This is a gross misconception. They have to be considered as independent and natural languages that have evolved over the time, just as any spoken language.

 Sign Language vs Spoken Language

British Sign Language Alphabet

What is the difference between Sign Language and Spoken Language?

• Definitions between Sign Language and Spoken Language:

• A spoken language can be considered as an oral language where vocal tracts are used.

• A sign language is a language where gestures and facial expressions are used in order to convey information.

• Messages:

• In a spoken language, vocal tracts are used to convey a message.

• In the case of a sign language, gestures and facial expressions are used for this purpose.

• Importance of Grammar:

• In both spoken and sign language, grammar plays a key role in connecting words into phrases and sentences.

• Movements Used:

• Spoken languages use the movement of the vocal tracts and mouth.

• Sign languages use the movement of hands, face and arms.

• Nature:

• Both languages consist of complex structural elements and can be used to convey information.

 

Images Courtesy:

  1. English alphabet via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
  2. British sign language alphabet by Cowplopmorris (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Related posts:

Difference Between Mind and BrainDifference between Mind and Brain Difference Between Idiom and SlangDifference Between Idiom and Slang Difference Between Poetry and Song Difference Between Portuguese and Spanish Difference Between English Literature and American LiteratureDifference Between English Literature and American Literature

Filed Under: Language Tagged With: oral language, sign language, sign language and spoken language, Sign Language and Spoken Language differences, sign language definition, spoken language, spoken language and sign language, spoken language definition

About the Author: Admin

Coming from Engineering cum Human Resource Development background, has over 10 years experience in content developmet and management.

Comments

  1. Abdul Ghaniyy says

    May 21, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    Writing System is not defined to be a sign or spoken language. To read we need eye sight (or movement of fingers for the blinds) and to write we need the movement of our fingers after calligraphy skills.

    Reply
  2. y3shuA imMANu3l says

    November 26, 2016 at 2:15 am

    33

    Reply
  3. y3shuA imMANu3l says

    November 26, 2016 at 2:21 pm

    1+9+2+6=18(1+8=) 9
    •••••••••••••••••••1+3= 4

    3×3=9[0]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Request Article

Featured Posts

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

You May Like

Difference Between Source Code and Bytecode

Difference Between Source Code and Bytecode

Difference Between Luther and Calvin

Difference Between Cooperative Learning and Group Work

Difference Between Cooperative Learning and Group Work

Difference Between Electroplating and Electrolysis

Difference Between Isopentane and Neopentane

Difference Between Isopentane and Neopentane

Latest Posts

  • Difference Between Heat Flow and Heat Flux
  • Difference Between Homospory and Heterospory
  • Difference Between Chrysophytes and Euglenoids
  • Difference Between Acetone and Isopropyl Alcohol
  • Difference Between SDP and RDP
  • Difference Between Masking and Demasking Agents
  • Home
  • Vacancies
  • About
  • Request Article
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. All rights reserved. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal.