On differences between spoken and written language∗

Considering various naturally occurring speaking and writing situations, Chafe (1982) suggested two dimensions along which spoken and written productions in English differ involvement against detachment, and fragmentation against integration. In order to control for the influence of variables that covary with the spoken/written distinction (e.g., topic, planning, formality, audience), an experiment was conducted where modality (speaking/writing) and topic were manipulated, holding the other relevant factors constant. Three of the scales (with the exception of “detachment”) showed excellent discrimination between the two modalities even in these strictly matched speaking and writing situations. The psychometric qualities of the scales are, however, rather problematic in that they lack internal consistency.