Why is English Hard to Speak Compared to Write?

As a native English speaker with some knowledge of other languages, I would say that any language is generally harder to understand when spoken rather than when written. This concept is applicable to English as well, and can help us understand the nuances of language comprehension.

Understanding the Differences Between Spoken and Written English

Spoken vs Written Word Consistency:

When it comes to written English, the printed words are consistent and uniform, irrespective of the writer and their origin. A printed word looks the same whether it is penned by someone from the UK, the US, or another part of the English-speaking world. However, the pronunciation of these words can vary widely based on the speaker's geographical background or even the specific area they come from. This variation can lead to confusion, especially when trying to understand unfamiliar accents or dialects.

Implications for Comprehension and Retention

Pronunciation vs Written Clarity:

The written form of English offers a static and tangible format; even if a reader is unsure about a certain word, they can use the context and other words in the sentence to figure out its meaning. For example, if someone encounters the third word in a sentence and is unsure, they can easily refer back to it, giving the reader ample time to understand the meaning. In contrast, when listening to spoken English, the subsequent words continuously pass by, much like a fast-moving river. By the time one has figured out the meaning of the third word, the fourth or fifth word may have already slipped through, making a detailed comprehension more challenging.

Clues from Spelling:

A crucial aspect of understanding English words is recognizing that spelling can sometimes reveal the word's meaning, by triggering associations with similar words. For instance, recognizing the sequence of letters in "knowledge" can remind one of "know" and "ledge," which can help in deducing the meaning of the word. While this is a valuable tool in written communication, it is not as immediate or helpful when trying to understand spoken words.

The Skill of Organizing Ideas

Writing vs Speaking:

Writing is a more structured process compared to speaking. When writing, we need to convey our ideas and thoughts in a precise and organized manner. This requires us to systematically organize our thoughts and ideas, often requiring an understanding of grammar and punctuation, which can be challenging. Furthermore, while writing, we have the luxury of revising and editing our work, allowing us to improve the clarity and coherence of our communication. In contrast, when speaking, we do not have this luxury; once the words leave our mouth, they cannot be easily corrected or rephrased. Therefore, the brain needs to work harder when writing.

Challenges for Adult Learners

For those who have learned English as a second language, the challenge of spoken English can be particularly pronounced. Adult learners often face difficulties with accents, which can make their speech unintelligible to native speakers. The complexity of spoken English, especially in non-native speaking adults, can be due to various factors, such as limited exposure to the language and inadequate practice. Additionally, the pressure to communicate effectively in real-time without the ability to edit or revise can contribute to the feeling of inadequacy when speaking.

Summary of Key Points

1. **Spoken vs Written Consistency:** The printed word in English is consistent, whereas spoken English can vary widely in pronunciation.

2. **Comprehension and Retention:** Written English allows for time to understand and re-read words, whereas spoken English can be lost.

3. **Spelling Clues:** Spelling can provide clues to a word’s meaning, which is helpful in written English but less so in spoken English.

4. **Writing vs Speaking:** Writing requires more structured thought and can be revisited, while speaking is more spontaneous and lacks the opportunity for correction.

Understanding these differences can help learners and native speakers alike to improve their language skills, recognizing that both spoken and written English have unique challenges. Whether you are a native or a non-native speaker, working on both aspects can lead to a more comprehensive mastery of the language.