> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ldaca.gitbook.io/metadata-for-language-data/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ldaca.gitbook.io/metadata-for-language-data/defined-terms/spokenlanguage.md).

# SpokenLanguage

The resource contains data for which the medium of interaction was speech.

This term is an expected value of the property:\
[communicationMode](/metadata-for-language-data/properties/modality.md)

This term is included in the defined term set:\
[CommunicationModeTerms](/metadata-for-language-data/defined-term-sets/modalityterms.md)<br>

Written language and spoken language are different as a result of the different constraints on interaction. For example, written language typically needs to be explicit about aspects of meaning which are provided by the (shared) context of speech. \
In cultures where writing is not available as a means of recording and storing information, discourse types develop to make it easier to carry out this function using spoken language.

Miller, Jim. 1998. *Spontaneous Spoken Language: Syntax and Discourse.* Oxford: University Press, Incorporated.\
Ong, Walter J. 1988. *Orality and literacy: the technologizing of the word.*  London ; New York: Routledge.\
Tannen, Deborah. 1982. *Spoken and written language: exploring orality and literacy* (Advances in Discourse Processes ; v. 9). Norwood, N.J.: ABLEX Pub. Corp.