摘要：This article attempts to demonstrate the complexity of spoken language. First of all, the general characteristics of both varieties of language are dissussed, followed by an analysis of the differences between the spoken and written language. As spoken language is usually associated with non-standard language, the notion of standard and non-standard English will also be dissussed. The spoken and written language dissussed here refers to English only. In addition, spoken data were taken from spontaneous speech (conversation), whereas the written language data were taken from formal written works. Finally, it is their own way; thus one will never be easier or simpler than the other.
关键词：Spoken language; written language; standard and non standard English; paralinguistic; prosody
