We explain that what is the difference between language and literature with table. The difference between language and literature is that language includes both spoken and written aspects of communication, while literature is limited to the written aspect of communication.
Language is a method of expressing opinions, feelings, etc. It is a method of communication that encompasses all media, such as sound, grammar, and words. The study of language is called linguistics.
It enables human beings to share valuable knowledge and develop partnerships. Different languages are used for different communication systems. It is species specific to humans. Other animals have not been able to reach the advanced communication level of humans.
Literature, on the other hand, was born thanks to language. It is mostly written and refers to a collection of written works. It is an art form that has intellectual value. In a broad sense, it is any written work.
Some of the important forms of literature are poetry, prose, and theater. The scope of literature is extensive and it is also said to be the universe of discourse. Language and literature are very different from each other in the aspects of meaning, existence, nature, concern, order, method, etc. The purpose of language is to express ideas, opinions, emotions, and knowledge. Whereas, the purpose of literature is to capture those expressions of language.
Comparison table between language and literature (in tabular form)
Comparison parameter of linguistic literature
| Sense | Represents any form of communication or expression. | Refers to written or spoken material, which is considered an art form with intellectual value. |
| Nature | It is expressive. | It is imaginative. |
| Worry | It deals with the speech. | It deals with life experiences. |
| Order | Language was born before literature. | Literature would not exist without language. |
| Methods | Language is both written and spoken. | The literature is mostly written. |
| Contents | A language is a form of expression. | Literature is a collection of expressions through language. |
What is language?
Language is basically a communication system that allows the transfer of information. Take into consideration both written and spoken media. It is more of an abstract form using symbols and meanings. It is made up of words, sentences, and sounds. The combination of these elements helps the information of a language. The oldest language is Sumerian. It is known to exist since 3500 BC. C. The proof of the same was found in Iraq. There are around 5000 to 7000 languages in the world.
There are many studies in the field of languages such as phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. The study of sounds in speech is known as phonology. The study of the composition of words is called morphology. The study of how words are put together is known as syntax. The study of language is called semantics. Each society, region and place would have a different language.
There are various languages like Hindi, French, Spanish, Punjabi, etc. in 2015, 7,102 human languages catalog was released. The different varieties of languages are known as dialects. A language is required to have grammar rules that govern its operation.
What is literature?
Literature refers to the written aspect of communication. Any form of written communication is said to be literature. It is a collection of expressions. These expressions are communicated through language. Therefore, the existence of literature depends on the language. There can be as much literature as languages. It focuses on the creative writing side of expression.
There are three types of literature: poetry, prose, and drama.
Poetry is an aesthetic means of written communication through rhythms and is always established in verse.
Prose refers to written expression in sentences such as a novel, a short novel, and a short story.
Dramas refer to plays intended for performance. There are also other forms of literature including biographies, autobiographies, memoirs, etc. These are a record of people’s experiences. Include their creative expressions and what they have witnessed.
Main differences between language and literature
- Language refers to any form of communication used to express oneself, while literature is a form of written art that seeks to have intellectual value.
- Language is a form of written and verbal communication, while literature refers only to the form of written communication.
- Language was born before literature. On the other hand, literature was born thanks to language.
- Language is a means of expression. Literature is a collection of expressions through language.
- Language is expressive since its purpose is to express ideas, knowledge and opinions, while literature is more imaginative.
Final Thought
In normal day-to-day usage, one could use literature and language synonymously, but they are two different terms. Language focuses solely on expression, either through speech or writing; literature, on the other hand, only focuses on the written aspect of communication. Although literature is said to be the universe of discourse, it would have no existence without language.
Language is formed with the use of sounds and words, forming sentences that act as a means of communication. Literature, on the other hand, is made up of thoughts that have been previously expressed using language. It has various literary forms such as poetry, prose, and theater.
Language and literature are highly codependent and help each other in mutual development.
