Speech vs. Language: Understanding the Difference
If you’ve ever found yourself confused about the difference between speech and language, you’re not alone. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but in reality, they refer to two distinct—though closely related—areas of communication.
Understanding this distinction isn’t just useful for speech therapists. It can empower parents to support their child’s development, help adults recognize communication issues in themselves or loved ones, and make it easier to seek the right kind of help when needed.
In this article, we’ll break down what speech is, what language is, how they work together, and what to look for if one (or both) needs support.
What Is Speech?
Speech refers to the physical act of producing sounds. It’s what we do with our mouths, tongues, lips, and vocal cords to turn language into audible communication. Simply put, speech is how we say words.
Key Components of Speech:
Articulation – This is how we move our lips, tongue, and jaw to produce specific sounds. For example, saying the “r” in “rabbit” or the “th” in “think.”
Voice – This involves the use of the vocal cords and breathing to produce sound. Voice can be too loud, too soft, hoarse, or even nasal.
Fluency – This is the rhythm and flow of speech. A common fluency disorder is stuttering, which can include repetitions, prolongations, or blocks.
Speech Disorders Include:
● Articulation Disorders (e.g., lisp, sound substitution)
● Phonological Disorders (difficulty understanding sound rules)
● Stuttering/Disfluency
● Voice Disorders (e.g., vocal nodules, breathy voice)
● Motor Speech Disorders like apraxia and dysarthria
What Is Language?
Language is the system of rules we use to communicate meaning—whether through spoken words, written words, gestures, or symbols. Language isn’t just about saying words correctly; it’s about using words to convey ideas, ask questions, understand others, and tell stories.
Key Areas of Language:
Receptive Language – Understanding what others say or write. This includes following directions, answering questions, and grasping the meaning of words and sentences.
Expressive Language – Using words to express thoughts, needs, and ideas. This includes vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
Pragmatic Language (Social Use) – Knowing how to use language appropriately in different contexts (e.g., taking turns in conversation, making eye contact, understanding sarcasm).
Language Disorders Include:
● Receptive Language Disorder – Trouble understanding language.
● Expressive Language Disorder – Trouble putting thoughts into words.
● Mixed Receptive-Expressive Disorder
● Pragmatic Language Disorder (often seen in autism spectrum conditions)
● Aphasia – Language impairment due to brain injury or stroke.
● Language-Based Learning Disabilities, such as dyslexia.
Speech vs. Language: The Core Difference
Here's the simplest way to remember it:
● Speech is how we say things.
● Language is what we say and understand.
A person can have:
● A speech problem but normal language (e.g., a child who knows the word “cat” but says “tat”).
● A language problem, but clear speech (e.g., a child who can say all words correctly but struggles to form full sentences).
● Both speech and language problems.
Let’s explore how that plays out in real-life examples.
Real-Life Examples
Case 1: Speech Delay
Sam, age 5, can understand and follow directions. He knows lots of words but says “wabbit” instead of “rabbit” and often gets frustrated when others can’t understand him.
➡ Likely Issue: Speech sound disorder, possibly an articulation issue. Sam’s language is fine—he knows what he wants to say—but his speech is unclear.
Case 2: Language Delay
Leah, age 4, speaks clearly but only uses one- or two-word phrases like “want juice” or “go car.” She struggles to answer simple “wh” questions and doesn’t seem to follow multi-step directions.
➡ Likely Issue: Expressive and receptive language delay. Leah’s speech is clear, but she has trouble both understanding and using language fully.
Case 3: Adult Language Loss
Norman, age 66, had a stroke and now struggles to find the right words, form complete sentences, or understand long conversations.
➡ Likely Issue: Aphasia, a language disorder resulting from brain injury. His speech may sound fluent or slurred, but the root issue is with language processing.
Why Does This Distinction Matter?
Knowing whether a communication issue is rooted in speech or language helps ensure the person gets the right kind of therapy.
● A speech-language pathologist (SLP) will evaluate both areas during an initial assessment.
● A person with speech difficulties may benefit from articulation or fluency training.
● A person with language challenges might need help with vocabulary building, grammar, or social language skills.
It also helps caregivers and loved ones respond with greater empathy. A child with a speech sound disorder isn’t “lazy” or “babyish”—they may need targeted support to master specific sounds. An adult struggling to communicate after a stroke isn’t confused—they may be working through a profound language re-learning process.
How Speech and Language Work Together
While they are distinct, speech and language work hand in hand. You need both to be a confident communicator.
Think of it this way:
● Language is the message.
● Speech is the delivery system.
You can have a brilliant message, but if your speech is unclear, people may not understand you. Conversely, you can speak clearly, but if you struggle with language, your message may lack clarity or completeness.
That’s why many clients we work with at Anywhere Speech & Language receive therapy that addresses both speech and language goals, especially when challenges overlap (as they often do).
When to Seek Help
You or your child might benefit from a speech-language evaluation if you notice:
● Delayed talking or speech milestones
● Speech that’s hard to understand
● Difficulty following directions
● Struggling to form sentences or use new words
● Frustration during conversations
● Problems with reading, writing, or spelling
● Loss of communication skills after injury or illness
It’s never too early—or too late—to get help. From toddlers to retirees, communication can improve with the right support.
How Anywhere Speech & Language Can Help
We offer online, personalized speech and language therapy for children, teens, and adults. Our services include:
● Speech sound therapy
● Language development
● Social communication support
● Reading and literacy services
● Accent modification
● Cognitive-communication therapy (post-injury or stroke)
Our therapists work with you wherever you are—literally. We bring expert care to your home, school, or workplace through secure virtual sessions that are engaging and effective.
Final Thoughts
Speech and language are foundational to human connection. Whether you’re helping a child learn to speak, navigating a personal communication challenge, or recovering from a brain injury, understanding the difference between speech and language is the first step toward meaningful progress.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right guidance, therapy, and support, clear communication is possible—anytime, anywhere.
Contact Anywhere Speech & Language today to schedule an evaluation or learn more about our services.