17-07-2017, 10:56 AM
A spoken language is a language produced by articulated sounds, as opposed to a written language. Many languages have no written form and therefore are only spoken. An oral or vocal language is a language produced with the vocal tract, as opposed to a sign language, which occurs with hands and face. The term "spoken language" is sometimes used to refer only to the vocal languages, especially to linguists, making all three terms synonymous by excluding sign languages. Others refer to sign language as "spoken," especially in contrast to written transcripts of signs.
In spoken language, much of the meaning is determined by context. This contrasts with written language in which the text provides more meaning directly. In spoken language, the truth of a proposition is determined by the reference to common sense to experience, but in written language, greater emphasis is placed on logical and coherent argument. Likewise, spoken language tends to convey subjective information, including the relationship between the speaker and the public, while written language tends to convey objective information.
The relationship between spoken language and written language is complex. Within the field of linguistics, the current consensus is that speech is an innate human capacity, and written language is a cultural invention. However, some linguists, such as those in the Prague school, argue that written and spoken language have distinct qualities that argue that written language depends on spoken language for its existence.
Both the vocal languages and the sign languages are composed of words. In the vocal languages, words are composed of a limited set of vowels and consonants, and often the tone. In sign languages, words are composed of a limited set of forms, orientations, locations, movements of the hands and, often, facial expressions; In both cases, building blocks are called phonemes. In both vocal and sign languages, words are grammatically and prosodically linked to larger clauses, clauses, and units of speech.
Children who listen acquire the language used around them, either vocal or (if they are visionary) signed as their first language. Deaf children will do the same with sign language if one is used around them. Vocal language should be consciously taught to them in the same way that written language should be taught to children who hear.