Features of spoken English

Spoken English is dynamic, interactive, and often very different from written English. While written English follows strict grammar rules and formal structures, spoken English is more flexible and influenced by context, emotions, and real-time interactions. As teachers, understanding these differences is crucial for helping students navigate both forms of the language. In this lesson, we’ll explore the key features of spoken English, how it differs from written English, and how you can use this knowledge to plan and teach more effectively.

Key features of spoken English

Spoken English has unique characteristics that set it apart from written English. Here are some of the most important features:

Informal language:

• Spoken English often uses contractions, slang, and informal expressions that are rare in written English.
• Example: “I’m gonna go” instead of “I am going to go.”

Ellipsis:

• Speakers often leave out words that are unnecessary for understanding. This is called ellipsis.
• Example: “Want some coffee?” instead of “Do you want some coffee?”

Fillers and hesitations:

• Fillers like “um,” “uh,” “you know,” and “like” are common in spoken English. They give speakers time to think and keep the conversation flowing.
• Example: “So, um, I was thinking we could, you know, go out later.”

Repetition and rephrasing:

• Speakers often repeat or rephrase ideas to emphasize them or ensure understanding.
• Example: “I mean, it’s really important—like, super important.”

Intonation and stress:

• Spoken English uses intonation (the rise and fall of the voice) and stress (emphasis on certain words) to convey meaning, emotions, and intentions.
• Example: A rising intonation can turn a statement into a question: “You’re coming?”

Turn-taking and interaction:

• Spoken English involves real-time interaction, with speakers taking turns, interrupting, and responding to each other.
• Example: “Can I just say something? Okay, so…”

Non-verbal cues:

• In face-to-face conversations, gestures, facial expressions, and body language add meaning to the words.
• Example: A nod or a smile can show agreement or encouragement.

Simplified grammar:

• Spoken English often uses simpler sentence structures and avoids complex grammar.
• Example: “We went to the park. It was fun.” instead of “Having gone to the park, we found it enjoyable.”

How spoken English differs from
written English

While spoken and written English share the same grammar and vocabulary, they differ in several key ways:

Formality:

• Written English is usually more formal and structured, while spoken English is more casual and flexible.
• Example: Written: “It is imperative that we address this issue.” Spoken: “We really need to fix this.”

Sentence structure:

• Written English uses complete, well-formed sentences, while spoken English often uses fragments and run-on sentences.
• Example: Written: “I went to the store to buy some groceries.” Spoken: “Went to the store, got some stuff.”

Punctuation vs. intonation:

• Written English uses punctuation to organize ideas, while spoken English uses pauses, intonation, and stress.
• Example: Written: “I’m tired. Let’s go home.” Spoken: “I’m tired… let’s go home?” (with a rising intonation).

Planning and editing:

• Written English allows for planning and editing, while spoken English is spontaneous and unpolished.
• Example: A written essay is carefully revised, while a spoken conversation is full of hesitations and corrections.

Context dependence:

• Spoken English relies heavily on context and shared knowledge, while written English is more self-contained.
• Example: In a conversation, a speaker might say, “You know what I mean?” assuming the listener understands the context.

How to use this knowledge in planning and teaching

Understanding the features of spoken English and how it differs from written English can help you design lessons that prepare students for real-world communication. Here’s how to apply this knowledge:

Teach informal language:

• Introduce contractions, slang, and informal expressions. Use authentic materials like movies, podcasts, or casual conversations.
• Example: Teach phrases like “gonna,” “wanna,” and “kinda” and explain when they’re appropriate.

Practice ellipsis and fillers:

• Show students how native speakers use ellipsis and fillers in natural speech. Use role-plays and dialogues to practice.
• Example: Have students practice short, natural responses like “Sounds good!” or “Be there in a sec.”

Focus on intonation and stress:

• Use drills and listening exercises to teach intonation and stress patterns. Highlight how they change meaning.
• Example: Practice rising intonation for questions and falling intonation for statements.

Encourage interaction:

• Use pair work, group discussions, and role-plays to give students plenty of opportunities to practice turn-taking and responding.
• Example: Set up a role-play where students practice interrupting politely or asking for clarification.

Use authentic materials:

• Incorporate real-world materials like TV shows, interviews, or podcasts to expose students to natural spoken English.
• Example: Play a clip from a TV show and ask students to identify fillers, contractions, or informal expressions.

Teach repair strategies:

• Show students how to correct themselves or clarify their meaning during a conversation.
• Example: Teach phrases like “What I mean is…” or “Let me rephrase that…”

Highlight non-verbal cues:

• Use videos or face-to-face activities to teach gestures, facial expressions, and body language.
• Example: Show a video of a conversation and ask students to describe the speakers’ non-verbal cues.

Compare spoken and written English:

• Highlight the differences between spoken and written English to help students switch between the two.
• Example: Provide a written sentence and ask students to rewrite it in a more conversational style.

Practicalactivities for teaching spoken English

Here are some classroom activities to help students practice the features of spoken English:

1. Role-plays:
   • Have students act out real-life situations, such as ordering food, making small talk, or asking for directions.
2. Listening and imitation:
   • Play recordings of natural conversations and ask students to imitate the intonation, stress, and fillers.
3. Information gap activities:
   • Pair students and give each different information. They must ask questions and respond naturally to complete the task.
4. Debates and discussions:
   • Organize debates or group discussions on interesting topics. Encourage students to use informal language and turn-taking.
5. Storytelling:
   • Ask students to tell a story using prompts or pictures. Focus on natural speech patterns and coherence.
6. Pronunciation drills:
   • Use minimal pairs or tongue twisters to practice specific sounds and stress patterns.

Final thoughts

Spoken English is a dynamic form of communication, and understanding its features is key to helping students become confident speakers. By teaching informal language, intonation, interaction, and repair strategies, you can prepare your students for real-world conversations.

So, the next time you plan a speaking lesson, remember to highlight the unique features of spoken English and provide plenty of opportunities for practice. Happy teaching!

To your CELTA journal

What are your favorite ways to teach language functions? 
In your CELTA journal, reflect on your favorite strategies for teaching language functions. Describe your experiences, the challenges you’ve faced when you were teaching, and how you overcame them.

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