Beatles and speech

Posted by ESC on September 29, 2003

In Reply to: Beatles and speech posted by Henry on September 29, 2003

: : 1.How to read "Beatles", the band's name? 'Beatles, or Be'atles?

: : 2."A linguist should be able to distinguish speech from language."
: : What is the difference between speech and language?

: : Thanks!

: The name of the Beatles is a play on words. it is a combination of Beetles, the insects, and beat, the rhythm of their music.

: What is the difference between speech and language? This seems a strange question to ask - the context of the original quotation would reveal more. Perhaps it refers to the differences beween the spoken and the written language.

Go to Merriam-Webster online for a definition of language. Language can be a means of communication that doesn't involve speech (talking). For example, signing is the language of some deaf people, but it doesn't involve speech.

• Speech & Language TheFallen 29/September/03