The Difference Between Speech and Language: The "How" and  the "What" Speech uses the vocal-auditory mode (sound) to convey linguistic information. As a tool for the transmission of language , speech is distinct from the cognitive system of language . All of the complexities that can be communicated in any of the world's spoken languages can be communicated in visual languages (Language Files, p.400). Speech: HOW a Spoken Message is Communicated Mode of Communication: Spoken English Language: WHAT Idea is Communicated in the Message  Message:  It's raining cats and dogs.  *Meaning:  It is raining very hard.  *"Meaning (like any other aspect of language) is provided by a community of native speakers, not by some special authority like a dictionary or grammar book." (Language Files, p. 218) How is a spoken message communicated? -- with speech. Any spoken message can be cued. What idea is being communicated is the message. Knowledge of the language used to communicate the idea is needed to understand the meaning of the message. Cueing provides access to the same information and understanding of a traditionally spoken language as speaking does. Sources: Fleetwood and Metzger (1998); Jannedy, Poletto and Weldon, eds., Language Files (1991); Kelch (1998) | Mission Statement | Cued Speech | Handshapes | | Hand Placements | Baby & Kid-Friendly Cueing | | Speech and Language | Spoken and Cued English | Phoneme? | | English and ASL | Program | Teaching Staff | | Speech/Language Services | Audiology | Transliteration | | Cue Camps | Cueing Classes | Organizations | Parent Contacts | | Research | Web Sites |    Home Last Updated: 4/00 Judy L. Kelch jkelch@fc.fcps.k12.va.us