Definition

Noun: 1. A system of human communication using a set of permanent, visible marks or symbols (such as letters or characters) on a surface: This refers to language expressed through writing, as opposed to spoken language. It is a codified representation of a language, allowing communication across time and space. 2. The form or style of language used in writing: This can refer to the specific register, vocabulary, and grammatical structures characteristic of written, rather than spoken, communication.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The development of a written language was a crucial step in the history of civilization. (This refers to the system itself.)
  • Her essays demonstrate a mastery of formal written language. (This refers to the style and register appropriate for writing.)
  • Legal documents require precise written language.
  • The linguist compared the spoken dialect to the standard written language.

Advanced Usage

• "Written language" vs. "Spoken language": A fundamental distinction in linguistics. Written language is often more structured, formal, and permanent, while spoken language is typically more immediate, interactive, and variable.
• "Standard written language": The codified, normative form of a language used in most formal writing, education, and publishing, often distinct from colloquial or dialectal spoken forms.

Variants and Related Words

• Writing system (n): The specific set of symbols and rules (e.g., alphabet, syllabary, logographic system) used to represent a language in written form. (e.g., ).
• Script (n): A particular form or style of a writing system. (e.g., ).
• Orthography (n): The conventional spelling system of a language. (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Writing
• Text
• Written communication

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Literacy (n): The ability to read and write a written language.
• Corpus (n): A large collection of written language texts used for linguistic analysis.

Noun

1. communication by means of written symbols (either printed or handwritten)