Both written and verbal speech are essential components of language across different languages, and each plays a crucial role in communication and human interaction. Here's why both forms are important:
Communication: Language, in any form, is the primary means of communication among humans. Written language allows for long-distance and asynchronous communication, while verbal speech enables real-time, face-to-face interaction. Both forms are necessary to convey thoughts, emotions, information and ideas effectively.
Preservation of Knowledge: Written language allows for the preservation and transmission of knowledge across generations. Written texts, such as books, scientific papers, historical documents and religious scriptures, ensure that valuable information is not lost with time.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: Verbal speech is essential for immediate, interactive communication, which is especially important for people who cannot read or write, as well as in cultures with limited literacy rates. On the other hand, written language can make information accessible to a broader audience, including those with hearing impairments or for communication across language barriers.
Formality and Informality: Written language is typically more formal, used in official documents, academic publications, business communication and legal matters. Verbal speech, on the other hand, allows for more informal and spontaneous exchanges, promoting social interactions and cultural expressions.
Creativity and Expression: Both written and verbal speech enable the expression of creativity through literature, poetry, storytelling and oral traditions. Language, in all its forms, allows individuals to share their unique perspectives and experiences with others.
Learning and Education: Written language is fundamental to formal education systems, where students learn to read, write and access information from textbooks and educational materials. Verbal speech, especially in early childhood, is critical for language development and acquisition.
Identity and Culture: Language, whether written or spoken, is deeply connected to a community’s identity and culture. Preserving and using native languages in both written and verbal forms help maintain cultural heritage and traditions.
Documentation and Record-Keeping: Written language is invaluable for record-keeping and documentation, essential in various fields such as science, history, government and business. It ensures accuracy and consistency over time.
Legal and Administrative Purposes: Written language is crucial for creating legally binding contracts, official documents, government policies and administrative procedures. Verbal agreements may be informal and challenging to enforce.
Cognitive Development: Both written and verbal language contribute to cognitive development in individuals. Learning to read and write improves memory, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, while verbal communication hones listening, comprehension and social abilities.
Written and verbal speech are interconnected and complementary aspects of language that facilitate communication, knowledge transfer, education, culture and social interaction. Across languages, the combined use of both forms enriches human experiences and fosters connections among individuals and communities.
CARS & STARS Online is primarily about individual readers getting better. But the way in which you can teach it in the classroom can harness the power of reading aloud – for individual students, groups or whole classes – to not just enhance comprehension but improve reading abilities across the board. Particularly in these strange times, where distance education is more common, including regular read-aloud moments in classroom instruction can be a great benefit to everybody – including the teacher.
If you are interested in learning more about the CARS & STARS Online subscriptions and how they can help children to achieve better results, then sign up for a free trial to be an integral part of your child’s reading success.
