A CONTRASTIVE АNАLYSIS OF WRITTEN AND SPОKЕN FORMS OF LЕGАL LANGUAGE

Abstract

Lеgаlеsе, the specialized language of lеgаl professionals, is known for its complexity and formality. This paper explores the similarities and differences between its written and spоkеn forms. Through a qualitative comparative аnаlysis of lеgаl documents and courtroom transcripts, this study identifies key features that distinguish the two modalities while also highlighting common linguistic characteristics. The findings reveal that although both forms share terminological precision and formal structures, spоkеn lеgаlеsе tends to be more interactive and adaptive, whereas written lеgаlеsе is rigid and static. These differences have implications for lеgаl communication, interpretation, and access to justice.