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Language vs. Script — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
Language is a system of communication using sounds or symbols. Script is a written representation of the sounds in a language.
Language vs. Script — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Language and Script

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Key Differences

Language is a structured system of communication that can be spoken, written, or signed. Script, however, refers specifically to the set of characters or symbols used to write down a language.
Language embodies the grammar, vocabulary, and semantics that allow individuals to convey thoughts and ideas. Script serves as the graphical representation, a visual medium through which language can be read and understood.
The distinction between Language and Script is akin to the difference between speaking and writing. For instance, while English is a Language, it is written using the Latin script. Multiple languages can use the same script.
For example, Hindi and Sanskrit both employ the Devanagari script, even though they are distinct languages. Therefore, while Language is the medium of thought and communication, Script is a tool that represents that medium in written form.

Comparison Chart

Definition

System of communication
Set of characters for writing
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Medium

Can be spoken, written, or signed
Strictly written

Components

Grammar, vocabulary, semantics
Characters or symbols

Examples

English, Spanish, Mandarin
Latin, Cyrillic, Devanagari

Usability

Used for speaking and understanding
Used for reading and writing

Compare with Definitions

Language

A system used by humans to interact and share ideas.
Learning a new Language opens up new cultural doors.

Script

The written form of a spoken language.
The Latin Script is employed by several modern languages.

Language

The spoken or written method of human expression.
Poetry is a celebration of the intricacies of Language.

Script

A system of characters used to write a language.
The Cyrillic Script is used for many Slavic languages.

Language

A language is a structured system of communication used by humans, based on speech and gesture (spoken language), sign, or often writing. The structure of language is its grammar and the free components are its vocabulary.

Script

A set of symbols representing sounds or ideas.
Ancient Egyptians used the hieroglyphic Script.

Language

Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols.

Script

The graphical representation of linguistic sounds.
The Devanagari Script is used to write Hindi and Sanskrit.

Language

Such a system including its rules for combining its components, such as words.

Script

Handwriting.

Language

Such a system as used by a nation, people, or other distinct community; often contrasted with dialect.

Script

A style of writing with cursive characters.

Language

A system of signs, symbols, gestures, or rules used in communicating
The language of algebra.

Script

A particular system of writing
Cuneiform script.

Language

(Computers) A system of symbols and rules used for communication with or between computers.

Script

A style of type that imitates handwriting.

Language

Body language; kinesics.

Script

The matter set in this type.

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).

Script

The text of a play, broadcast, or movie.

Language

A characteristic style of speech or writing
Shakespearean language.

Script

A copy of a text used by a director or performer.

Language

A particular manner of expression
Profane language.
Persuasive language.

Script

(Law) The original of a legal instrument, as opposed to a copy.

Language

The manner or means of communication between living creatures other than humans
The language of dolphins.

Script

(Computers) A simple program in a language that the computer must convert to machine language each time the program is run.

Language

Verbal communication as a subject of study.

Script

To prepare (a text) for filming or broadcasting.

Language

The wording of a legal document or statute as distinct from the spirit.

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).

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.

Script

(Computers) To write (code) for a program.

Language

(uncountable) The ability to communicate using words.
The gift of language

Script

A writing; a written document.

Language

(uncountable) A sublanguage: the slang of a particular community or jargon of a particular specialist field.
Legal language;
The language of chemistry

Script

Written characters; style of writing.

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

Script

(typography) Type made in imitation of handwriting.

Language

A body of sounds, signs and/or signals by which animals communicate, and by which plants are sometimes also thought to communicate.

Script

An original instrument or document.

Language

A computer language; a machine language.

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.

Language

(uncountable) Manner of expression.

Script

(computing) A file containing a list of user commands, allowing them to be invoked once to execute in sequence.

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.

Script

(psychology) A behavioral script; sequence of actions in a given situation.

Language

(uncountable) Profanity.

Script

(linguistics) A system of writing adapted to a particular language or set of languages.

Language

A languet, a flat plate in or below the flue pipe of an organ.

Script

(informal) prescription for drugs or medicine

Language

To communicate by language; to express in language.

Script

(transitive) To make or write a script.

Language

An admonishment said in response to vulgar language.

Script

(transitive) To devise, concoct, or contrive.

Language

Any means of conveying or communicating ideas;

Script

A writing; a written document.

Language

The expression of ideas by writing, or any other instrumentality.

Script

Type made in imitation of handwriting.

Language

The forms of speech, or the methods of expressing ideas, peculiar to a particular nation.

Script

An original instrument or document.

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.

Script

Written characters; style of writing.

Language

The inarticulate sounds by which animals inferior to man express their feelings or their wants.

Script

A written version of a play or other dramatic composition; used in preparing for a performance

Language

The suggestion, by objects, actions, or conditions, of ideas associated therewith; as, the language of flowers.
There was . . . language in their very gesture.

Script

Something written by hand;
She recognized his handwriting
His hand was illegible

Language

The vocabulary and phraseology belonging to an art or department of knowledge; as, medical language; the language of chemistry or theology.

Script

A particular orthography or writing system

Language

A race, as distinguished by its speech.
All the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image.

Script

Write a script for;
The playwright scripted the movie

Language

Any system of symbols created for the purpose of communicating ideas, emotions, commands, etc., between sentient agents.

Script

A collection of characters used in writing.
The Chinese Script is renowned for its intricate characters.

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.

Language

To communicate by language; to express in language.
Others were languaged in such doubtful expressions that they have a double sense.

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

Language

(language) communication by word of mouth;
His speech was garbled
He uttered harsh language
He recorded the spoken language of the streets

Language

A system of words used in a particular discipline;
Legal terminology
The language of sociology

Language

The cognitive processes involved in producing and understanding linguistic communication;
He didn't have the language to express his feelings

Language

The mental faculty or power of vocal communication;
Language sets homo sapiens apart from all other animals

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

Language

A means of communication using sounds or symbols.
The beauty of Language lies in its ability to convey emotions.

Language

A set of conventions for conveying meaning.
Each Language has its unique grammar and syntax.

Language

An arrangement of sounds or symbols to convey thoughts.
The richness of a Language is reflected in its idioms and proverbs.

Common Curiosities

What is Language?

Language is a structured system of communication, whether spoken, written, or signed.

Can a Language exist without a Script?

Yes, many languages, especially oral ones, don't have a dedicated Script.

Can a Script be used for multiple languages?

Yes, for example, the Latin Script is used for English, Spanish, and several other languages.

What's the difference between Language and dialect?

While both are modes of communication, a Language is often a broader system, and a dialect is its regional or social variation.

How many scripts are globally recognized?

There are dozens of scripts, but the exact number can vary based on classification.

What is Script?

Script is the set of characters or symbols used to represent the sounds of a language in writing.

Are Script and font the same?

No, a Script is a system of writing, while a font is a specific style or design of characters within a Script.

Do scripts evolve as well?

Yes, scripts can change or adapt over time, influenced by cultural, technological, or practical factors.

How many languages are there in the world?

There are approximately 7,000 languages spoken worldwide.

Why is it essential to preserve languages?

Preserving languages is vital for cultural heritage, diversity, and understanding human history and cognition.

Can one language have multiple scripts?

Yes, for example, the Serbian language is written in both Cyrillic and Latin scripts.

Is sign language considered a Language?

Yes, sign languages have their grammar, vocabulary, and semantics, and they're crucial communication tools for the deaf community.

Can a Language change over time?

Yes, languages evolve, leading to changes in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Can a Script be created for a language that previously didn't have one?

Absolutely, scripts have been devised for languages to promote literacy and standardization.

How are new words added to a Language?

New words can emerge from cultural shifts, technological advances, borrowing from other languages, or evolving societal needs.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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