Spoken Language – (Edexcel GCSE) - English

Spoken Language

The Spoken Language component in the Edexcel GCSE English assessment is a non-examined unit, but it is still an essential part of the course. It focuses on a student’s ability to communicate effectively in spoken English, which is crucial for both academic success and everyday interactions.

Overview of the Spoken Language Endorsement

This is a separate endorsement in GCSE English Language (9-1). Teachers assess it internally but do not contribute to the final grade. Students receive a separate certificate with a grade of Pass, Merit, or Distinction (or Not Classified if requirements are not met). Spoken language is an essential aspect of communication, influenced by context, audience, and purpose. It differs from written language in several aspects, including structure, spontaneity, and non-verbal elements, which all impact how messages are conveyed and understood during conversations.

Key Differences Between Spoken and Written Language

Key Requirements

Students must:

• Prepare and deliver a formal spoken presentation on a topic of their choice, which allows for a demonstration of research and understanding of the chosen subject.

• Use spoken Standard English, especially in formal situations, to ensure clarity and professionalism in communication.

• Respond to questions and feedback in a structured and clear manner, demonstrating critical thinking and the ability to engage with an audience dynamically.

Linguistic Theories

Several linguistic theories help us understand how spoken language is used:

• Grice’s Maxims (Cooperative Principle):

  • Maxim of Quantity: Give the right amount of information.

  • Maxim of Quality: Be truthful in what you communicate.

  • Maxim of Relevance: Stay on topic to maintain coherence.

  • Maxim of Manner: Be clear and orderly in your delivery to avoid confusion.

• Speech Accommodation Theory (Giles):

  • Convergence: Adjusting speech to be closer to another person’s to foster connection.

  • Divergence: Making speech different to emphasize distinction or identity.

• Face Theory (Goffman):

  • People present a certain image of themselves (face) in communication, influencing interactions.

  • Positive Face: The desire to be liked and appreciated by others.

  • Negative Face: The desire to be independent, not imposed upon by others.

Assessment Criteria

The assessment is based on three main areas:

Characteristics

Spoken language has unique characteristics that make it different from written forms:

• Lexical and Semantic Features:

  • Colloquialisms: Informal words (e.g., “gonna,” “wanna”) that convey familiarity.

  • Slang: Context-dependent words used in informal settings, often evolving rapidly.

  • Idiolect: Individual speech patterns unique to each person.

  • Dialect: Regional variations in language, fostering cultural identity.

• Grammatical Features:

  • Ellipsis: Omitting words for brevity (e.g., “Coming?” instead of “Are you coming?”).

  • Tag Questions: Short questions added at the end to seek confirmation (e.g., “It’s cold, isn’t it?”).

  • Non-standard Grammar: Variations from formal grammar, reflecting natural speech patterns.

• Discourse Features:

  • Turn-taking: Managing conversation flow to ensure all participants have a chance to contribute.

  • Overlapping: Talking at the same time, often indicating excitement or urgency.

  • Hedges: Softening statements (e.g., “kind of,” “maybe”) to express uncertainty or politeness.

  • Fillers: Sounds/words used while thinking (e.g., “um,” “like”), common in spontaneous speech.

  • Backchanneling: Feedback given while listening (e.g., “yeah,” “right”) indicating engagement.

  • False Starts & Repairs: Self-correction in speech, showcasing the dynamic nature of spoken communication.

Choosing a Topic

Students can choose any topic that interests them, allowing for personal engagement and investment into their presentation. Examples include:

• Social issues (e.g., climate change, gender equality) highlighting relevance to current societal debates.

• Personal interests (e.g., a hobby, a book, a sport) fostering passion and enthusiasm for the subject matter.

• Historical or cultural topics (e.g., Black History Month, Shakespeare’s influence) promoting exploration of diverse perspectives.

Formal vs. Informal Speech

Different situations and audiences significantly influence how spoken language is used:

Spoken Language in Different Contexts

• Everyday Conversations: Casual, spontaneous, full of fillers and informal exchanges.

• Public Speaking: Structured, clear, and formal, requiring careful preparation.

• Interviews: Polite, concise, and informative, aimed at conveying qualifications and experiences.

• Social Media & Digital Communication: Mix of spoken and written features, often informal yet impactful.

Tips for Success

✅ Plan and structure your speech (introduction, main points, conclusion) for clarity.

✅ Practice delivery with good volume, pace, and clarity to ensure understandability.

✅ Engage with your audience using eye contact and body language to create a connection.

✅ Anticipate questions and prepare possible responses to demonstrate preparedness.

✅ Stay within the time limit (usually 3–5 minutes) to respect audience engagement.

Accent vs. Dialect

Accents and dialects significantly influence spoken language and social identity.

• Accent: How words are pronounced (e.g., Cockney, Scouse), showcasing regional diversity.

• Dialect: Unique words/phrases used in a region (e.g., “bairn” in Newcastle for “child”) representing cultural heritage.

Attitudes to Accents and Dialects

Some accents are considered prestigious (e.g., RP - Received Pronunciation), while regional dialects may be stigmatized or stereotyped, highlighting the societal implications of language perception. Media representation significantly influences perceptions of accents, for instance, by framing certain dialects as humorous or inferior.

Language and Power

Spoken language is a tool for asserting power in various situations, reflecting social dynamics.

• Ways Language Shows Power:

  • Instrumental Power: Power from authority (e.g., teachers, police) utilized to enforce rules.

  • Influential Power: Persuasion in media, advertising, and politics emphasized through language choices.

• Power in Conversations:

  • Interruptions: Used to assert dominance in dialogue.

  • Imperatives: Giving direct orders to establish control.

  • Formal Register: Creating authority through language choice.

Gender and Language

• Robin Lakoff’s Deficit Model: Suggests women use hedges, tag questions, and politeness markers more than men, reflecting socialization differences.

• Dominance Theory: Argues men dominate conversations through interruptions, impacting communication styles.

• Difference Theory: Suggests men and women use language differently due to socialization, influencing conversational dynamics.

Spoken Language in Media

Spoken language plays a critical role in TV, radio, and online platforms.

Technology and Spoken Language

• Voice Notes & Video Calls: Blending written and spoken communication, changing how we interact.

• AI Assistants (e.g., Siri, Alexa): Changing interaction with spoken language, allowing for natural language processing and response.

Analysing Spoken Language

When analyzing spoken language, consider:

• Context: Who is speaking? What is the setting and occasion for the communication?

• Audience & Purpose: Is it formal or informal? Is the speaker persuading, informing, or entertaining their audience?

• Linguistic Features: Pay attention to vocabulary, grammar, and discourse markers that characterize the speech.

• Power & Social Factors: How does the speaker assert authority or reflect identity in their spoken communication?