Final answer:
Oral language is accompanied by body language, varies according to communication medium, and is more immediate and adaptable than written language, which is static and structured. These forms of language also differ across cultures and age groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oral language and written language are distinct forms of communication, each with their own unique characteristics and contexts. One of the main differences is the presence of body language that accompanies oral communication, providing non-verbal cues that are absent in written text. Another difference lies in how language shifts according to the medium used; for example, the language used in a text message often varies in formality and structure from that of an email or phone call, and even more so from in-person discussions. Finally, oral language tends to be more immediate and spontaneous, allowing for adjustments in tone and inflection to convey meaning, such as how Mandarin Chinese relies on tone to differentiate meanings of the same character, whereas written language is more static and structured.
These differences demonstrate orality as an aspect of culture and highlight the need to adapt composing processes for a variety of technologies and modalities. Moreover, oral and written language can show distinctions when comparing language use between participants from different cultures or age groups, influencing the way people communicate and connect with each other.