Literature vs. Language — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 15, 2024
Literature refers to written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit, whereas language is the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of words in a structured way.
Difference Between Literature and Language
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Literature encompasses various forms of written works like novels, poems, and plays that are often appreciated for their artistic value. Language, on the other hand, is the medium through which these literary works are expressed, consisting of structured systems of communication used by humans.
Literature is primarily concerned with creativity and storytelling, aiming to evoke emotions and provoke thought through artistic expression. Language serves as the tool that enables these literary creations to be understood, providing the grammar, vocabulary, and syntax needed to convey ideas.
In the study of literature, analysis often focuses on themes, narrative techniques, and the cultural significance of texts. Language study, however, involves the rules and patterns of communication, including phonetics, syntax, and semantics, which are crucial for understanding and using any language.
While literature can reflect the culture, values, and history of a society through its narratives and characters, language represents the evolution and adaptation of communication methods within that society. Both are intertwined, yet they serve distinct purposes in human interaction and cultural expression.
Literature also includes genres like fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry, each with its own conventions and styles. Language, by contrast, is categorized by linguistic features such as dialects, registers, and the distinction between spoken and written forms.
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The appreciation of literature often involves a subjective response to its aesthetic qualities and emotional impact. Language, conversely, requires objective analysis to understand its structure, rules, and functions in various contexts of communication.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Written works with artistic merit
System of human communication
Primary Focus
Creativity and storytelling
Grammar, vocabulary, syntax
Study Area
Themes, narrative techniques, cultural significance
Phonetics, syntax, semantics
Reflection
Culture, values, history through narratives
Evolution and adaptation of communication
Categories
Fiction, non-fiction, drama, poetry
Dialects, registers, spoken vs. written forms
Compare with Definitions
Literature
Published works on a particular subject.
The medical literature on this topic is extensive.
Language
The style of a piece of writing or speech.
The language of the novel is rich and evocative.
Literature
The profession or art of writing creatively.
She studied literature to become a novelist.
Language
A particular form or dialect of a language.
The Basque language is unique and unrelated to any other.
Literature
A field of study concerned with literary works.
He has a degree in English literature.
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.
Literature
Written works, especially those with artistic value.
Shakespeare's plays are classic examples of English literature.
Language
Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols.
Literature
Literature broadly is any collection of written work, but it is also used more narrowly for writings specifically considered to be an art form, especially prose fiction, drama, and poetry. In recent centuries, the definition has expanded to include oral literature, much of which has been transcribed.
Language
Such a system including its rules for combining its components, such as words.
Literature
Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit
A great work of literature
Language
Such a system as used by a nation, people, or other distinct community; often contrasted with dialect.
Literature
The body of written works of a language, period, or culture.
Language
A system of signs, symbols, gestures, or rules used in communicating
The language of algebra.
Literature
Imaginative or creative writing, especially of recognized artistic value
"Literature must be an analysis of experience and a synthesis of the findings into a unity" (Rebecca West).
Language
(Computers) A system of symbols and rules used for communication with or between computers.
Literature
The art or occupation of a literary writer.
Language
Body language; kinesics.
Literature
The body of written work produced by scholars or researchers in a given field
Medical literature.
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).
Literature
Printed material
Collected all the available literature on the subject.
Language
A characteristic style of speech or writing
Shakespearean language.
Literature
(Music) All the compositions of a certain kind or for a specific instrument or ensemble
The symphonic literature.
Language
A particular manner of expression
Profane language.
Persuasive language.
Literature
The body of all written works.
Language
The manner or means of communication between living creatures other than humans
The language of dolphins.
Literature
The collected creative writing of a nation, people, group, or culture.
Language
Verbal communication as a subject of study.
Literature
(usually preceded by the) All the papers, treatises, etc. published in academic journals on a particular subject.
Language
The wording of a legal document or statute as distinct from the spirit.
Literature
Written fiction of a high standard.
However, even “literary” science fiction rarely qualifies as literature, because it treats characters as sets of traits rather than as fully realized human beings with unique life stories. —Adam Cadre, 2008
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.
Literature
Learning; acquaintance with letters or books.
Language
(uncountable) The ability to communicate using words.
The gift of language
Literature
The collective body of literary productions, embracing the entire results of knowledge and fancy preserved in writing; also, the whole body of literary productions or writings upon a given subject, or in reference to a particular science or branch of knowledge, or of a given country or period; as, the literature of Biblical criticism; the literature of chemistry.
Language
(uncountable) A sublanguage: the slang of a particular community or jargon of a particular specialist field.
Legal language;
The language of chemistry
Literature
The class of writings distinguished for beauty of style or expression, as poetry, essays, or history, in distinction from scientific treatises and works which contain positive knowledge; belles-lettres.
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
Literature
The occupation, profession, or business of doing literary work.
The origin of all positive science and philosophy, as well as of all literature and art, in the forms in which they exist in civilized Europe, must be traced to the Greeks.
Learning thy talent is, but mine is sense.
Some gentlemen, abounding in their university erudition, fill their sermons with philosophical terms.
Language
A body of sounds, signs and/or signals by which animals communicate, and by which plants are sometimes also thought to communicate.
Literature
Creative writing of recognized artistic value
Language
A computer language; a machine language.
Literature
The humanistic study of a body of literature;
He took a course in Russian lit
Language
(uncountable) Manner of expression.
Literature
Published writings in a particular style on a particular subject;
The technical literature
One aspect of Waterloo has not yet been treated in the literature
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.
Literature
The profession or art of a writer;
Her place in literature is secure
Language
(uncountable) Profanity.
Literature
The body of written works produced in a particular language or culture.
Ancient Greek literature includes works by Homer and Sophocles.
Language
A languet, a flat plate in or below the flue pipe of an organ.
Language
To communicate by language; to express in language.
Language
An admonishment said in response to vulgar language.
Language
Any means of conveying or communicating ideas;
Language
The expression of ideas by writing, or any other instrumentality.
Language
The forms of speech, or the methods of expressing ideas, peculiar to a particular nation.
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.
Language
The inarticulate sounds by which animals inferior to man express their feelings or their wants.
Language
The suggestion, by objects, actions, or conditions, of ideas associated therewith; as, the language of flowers.
There was . . . language in their very gesture.
Language
The vocabulary and phraseology belonging to an art or department of knowledge; as, medical language; the language of chemistry or theology.
Language
A race, as distinguished by its speech.
All the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image.
Language
Any system of symbols created for the purpose of communicating ideas, emotions, commands, etc., between sentient agents.
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 system of communication used by a particular country or community.
English is a widely spoken language around the world.
Language
The method of human communication, either spoken or written.
Language allows us to express our thoughts and feelings.
Language
The study of linguistic systems and their functions.
She is a professor of language and linguistics.
Common Curiosities
Is poetry considered literature or language?
Poetry is a form of literature that uses the artistic and structured aspects of language.
Can literature exist without language?
No, literature relies on language as the medium through which stories and ideas are conveyed.
What role does language play in literature?
Language provides the grammar, vocabulary, and syntax that enable the creation and understanding of literary works.
What is the main difference between literature and language?
Literature refers to artistic written works, while language is the system of communication used to create and understand these works.
How do the studies of literature and language differ?
Literature studies focus on themes, narrative techniques, and cultural impact, whereas language studies involve phonetics, syntax, and semantics.
What is the importance of studying literature?
Studying literature enhances understanding of human experiences, cultural contexts, and artistic expression.
How are literature and language interconnected?
Literature uses language as its medium, and language study can enhance the appreciation and understanding of literary works.
What are some examples of literary genres?
Examples include fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry.
What are some components of language study?
Components include phonetics, syntax, semantics, and morphology.
How does culture influence literature?
Culture shapes the themes, narratives, and characters found in literature, reflecting societal values and history.
What is the importance of studying language?
Studying language improves communication skills and understanding of linguistic diversity and structure.
Can a single work belong to both literature and language studies?
Yes, a literary work can be analyzed for both its artistic merit (literature) and its linguistic features (language).
How does culture influence language?
Culture influences language through the development of dialects, idioms, and linguistic norms.
Can the same text be studied differently in literature and language courses?
Yes, literature courses might focus on themes and narrative techniques, while language courses might analyze grammar and syntax.
What skills are developed by studying literature and language?
Studying literature develops critical thinking and interpretive skills, while studying language enhances analytical and communication skills.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba 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.
