UNIT A understanding academic convention


How is writing different from speaking?


‘If we spoke as we write, we should find no one to listen.


If we wrote as we speak, we should find no one to read.’ T. S. Eliot


A


Reflection how is language used differently in speaking and writing? • Write ‘S’ for words to use in spoken and ‘W’ for those to use in written English.


um ___ S B then ___ I mean ___ consequently ___


Contextualization What are the key differences between speaking and writing?


• By analyzing the ‘spoken’ text and the ‘written’ text below, both of which focus on the same subject matter, complete the column on the right.


Spoken text: Speaking is [pause] er something we learn without really thinking about it [volume drops] usually from our mums and dads, but writing is something we really have to think about. It is [pause] um an expar- expertise not everybody has. [intonation rises] Understand? Let me put it another way. Loads of people still can’t write [points finger]. Now.


Question How is the skill acquired?


How is the language joined together?


How formal is the grammar? How can extra meaning be


communicated?


How is emphasis created? Is variety possible?


How do you interact with the audience?


Speaking


Simple linking deviceS (e.g., and/but).


Flexible. E.g., body language,


including hand movementS. Changes in volume/tone. Different accents acceptable. Audience is often known;


can clarify meaning instantly. Can you change what you said? No – you cannot delete speech.


Step 1


7


Written text: Speaking is a skill which we develop subconsciously (usually from our parents). Writing, however, has to be consciously developed. It is an expertise which, surprisingly, many people still do not possess. This is true even in the 21st century!


Writing


Natural, unconscious process, Conscious, time-intensive usually from parents.


process, mainly at school. er ___ L8R ___


STEP UNIT A 1


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