Language vs. Script: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Language is a system of communication using spoken or written words, whereas script refers to the set of characters used to write a specific language.
Key Differences
Language is a method of human communication consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way. Script, on the other hand, is a written representation of spoken language through a series of symbols or characters. While language is about the actual content of communication, script is about the method of recording that communication.
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Nov 30, 2023
Every language has its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, which together make up the essence of that language. A script is a tool for writing languages, and different languages can share the same script while having completely different linguistic structures. For example, English and German both use the Latin script, yet they are distinct languages with different rules and vocabularies.
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The evolution of a language involves changes in pronunciation, word usage, and grammar over time. Scripts evolve too, often to become more efficient in representing the sounds and nuances of the language they transcribe. However, the evolution of a script is usually linked to technological and cultural changes rather than changes in the language itself.
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A language can be spoken without ever being written, and historically, many languages existed without a written form. Scripts, however, by definition, are always in a written format and are created to serve the purpose of recording and preserving language.
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In the context of learning, acquiring a language involves understanding its grammatical structure, vocabulary, and the ability to comprehend and produce speech. Learning a script, however, is about mastering the art of reading and writing the symbols that represent the sounds and words of a language.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Serves as a medium of verbal or written communication.
A set of visual symbols used to represent the sounds of a language.
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Variety
Has its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
May be used for multiple languages; not language-specific.
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Evolution
Evolves with changes in speech, usage, and culture.
Changes for efficiency in representation or due to technological advances.
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Independence
Can exist without a written form.
Relies on language to have a purpose.
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Learning
Involves acquiring skills in speaking, listening, and sometimes writing.
Focuses on reading and writing skills.
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Language and Script Definitions
Language
Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols.
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Script
Script can be a style of handwriting or typography in a particular language.
Calligraphy often uses artistic script styles.
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Language
Such a system including its rules for combining its components, such as words.
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Script
Script denotes the written form of a language, as distinct from its spoken form.
The Arabic script is known for its unique calligraphic beauty.
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Language
Such a system as used by a nation, people, or other distinct community; often contrasted with dialect.
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Language
A system of signs, symbols, gestures, or rules used in communicating
The language of algebra.
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Language
(Computers) A system of symbols and rules used for communication with or between computers.
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Language
The special vocabulary and usages of a scientific, professional, or other group
"his total mastery of screen language—camera placement, editing—and his handling of actors" (Jack Kroll).
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Language
A characteristic style of speech or writing
Shakespearean language.
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Language
A particular manner of expression
Profane language.
Persuasive language.
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Language
The manner or means of communication between living creatures other than humans
The language of dolphins.
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Script
(Computers) A simple program in a language that the computer must convert to machine language each time the program is run.
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Language
The wording of a legal document or statute as distinct from the spirit.
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Language
(countable) A body of words, and set of methods of combining them (called a grammar), understood by a community and used as a form of communication.
The English language and the German language are related.
Deaf and mute people communicate using languages like ASL.
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Script
To arrange, direct, or control (an event or a person) as if supplying a script
"the brilliant, charming, judicial moderate scripted by his White House fans" (Ellen Goodman).
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Language
(uncountable) The ability to communicate using words.
The gift of language
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Language
(uncountable) A sublanguage: the slang of a particular community or jargon of a particular specialist field.
Legal language;
The language of chemistry
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Language
The expression of thought (the communication of meaning) in a specified way; that which communicates something, as language does.
Body language;
The language of the eyes
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Language
A body of sounds, signs and/or signals by which animals communicate, and by which plants are sometimes also thought to communicate.
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Script
(countable) The written document containing the dialogue and action for a drama; the text of a stage play, movie, or other performance. Especially, the final form used for the performance itself.
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Language
(uncountable) The particular words used in a speech or a passage of text.
The language used in the law does not permit any other interpretation.
The language he used to talk to me was obscene.
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Script
(computing) A file containing a list of user commands, allowing them to be invoked once to execute in sequence.
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Script
(psychology) A behavioral script; sequence of actions in a given situation.
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Script
(linguistics) A system of writing adapted to a particular language or set of languages.
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Language
The forms of speech, or the methods of expressing ideas, peculiar to a particular nation.
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Language
The characteristic mode of arranging words, peculiar to an individual speaker or writer; manner of expression; style.
Others for language all their care express.
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Language
The inarticulate sounds by which animals inferior to man express their feelings or their wants.
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Language
The suggestion, by objects, actions, or conditions, of ideas associated therewith; as, the language of flowers.
There was . . . language in their very gesture.
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Script
A written version of a play or other dramatic composition; used in preparing for a performance
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Language
The vocabulary and phraseology belonging to an art or department of knowledge; as, medical language; the language of chemistry or theology.
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Script
Something written by hand;
She recognized his handwriting
His hand was illegible
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Language
A race, as distinguished by its speech.
All the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image.
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Language
Any system of symbols created for the purpose of communicating ideas, emotions, commands, etc., between sentient agents.
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Language
Any set of symbols and the rules for combining them which are used to specify to a computer the actions that it is to take; also referred to as a computer lanugage or programming language; as, JAVA is a new and flexible high-level language which has achieved popularity very rapidly.
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Script
Script refers to a set of characters used to write one or more languages.
The Cyrillic script is used to write Russian and several other Slavic languages.
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Language
To communicate by language; to express in language.
Others were languaged in such doubtful expressions that they have a double sense.
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Script
Script is a system of symbols for writing that represents the sounds or words of a language.
Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs are an example of a complex script.
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Language
A systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols;
He taught foreign languages
The language introduced is standard throughout the text
The speed with which a program can be executed depends on the language in which it is written
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Script
Script is a method of visually recording language through written symbols.
The Devanagari script is used for writing Sanskrit, Hindi, and Marathi.
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Language
(language) communication by word of mouth;
His speech was garbled
He uttered harsh language
He recorded the spoken language of the streets
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Language
A system of words used in a particular discipline;
Legal terminology
The language of sociology
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Language
The cognitive processes involved in producing and understanding linguistic communication;
He didn't have the language to express his feelings
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Language
The mental faculty or power of vocal communication;
Language sets homo sapiens apart from all other animals
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Language
The text of a popular song or musical-comedy number;
His compositions always started with the lyrics
He wrote both words and music
The song uses colloquial language
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Language
Language is a system of communication through spoken or written words.
English is a language spoken by millions worldwide.
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Language
Language is a method of human expression using sound and symbols.
The beauty of the French language is in its melody.
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Language
Language encompasses the vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation of a system of communication.
Learning a new language like Spanish can be challenging.
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Language
Language is a tool for human interaction, both verbal and non-verbal.
Sign language is a powerful form of non-verbal communication.
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Language
Language is the specific speech patterns and word usage of a community.
The indigenous language of the tribe was rich in nature-related terms.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a language change its script?
Yes, over time a language may adopt a different script for various reasons, such as political or cultural influence.
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What is a language?
A language is a system of spoken or written communication used by a particular country or community.
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What is an example of a script?
The Latin, Cyrillic, and Arabic alphabets are examples of scripts.
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Is sign language considered a language?
Yes, sign languages are fully-fledged languages with their own grammar and vocabulary.
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Can multiple languages use the same script?
Yes, different languages can use the same script, like English and French both use the Latin script.
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What is an example of a language?
English, Spanish, and Mandarin are examples of languages.
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Are scripts language specific?
Some scripts are specific to one language, while others are used for multiple languages.
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How does one learn a script?
Learning a script involves mastering the characters or symbols that represent the sounds of a language.
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Do languages influence scripts?
Yes, the requirements of a language often influence the development of its script.
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What is a script?
A script is a collection of symbols used to write down a language.
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Are all languages written?
No, some languages are only spoken and do not have a written form.
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Can a language be spoken but not written?
Yes, many languages are exclusively spoken and lack a written script.
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How does one learn a language?
Learning a language involves understanding its grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
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What role does culture play in language?
Culture significantly influences the development, usage, and evolution of a language.
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Do scripts evolve?
Scripts can evolve, often to improve readability or efficiency in writing.
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Can languages share vocabulary?
Yes, languages often borrow words from each other.
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Do languages evolve?
Yes, languages constantly evolve in response to social, cultural, and technological changes.
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What role does culture play in scripts?
Cultural factors can influence the style and evolution of a script.
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Are all scripts phonetic?
Not all scripts are phonetic; some represent ideas rather than sounds, like Chinese characters.
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What is a dead language?
A dead language is one that no longer has any native speakers, like Latin.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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