speak the language vs speak language

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Speak the language' is used when referring to a specific language, while 'speak language' is more general and can be used when talking about language in a broader sense.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 993 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific language.

"speak the language"

This phrase is used when talking about speaking a particular language, such as 'I can speak the language fluently.'

Examples:

It's important to speak the language of the country you are visiting.
She can speak the language of her ancestors.
He learned to speak the language in just a few months.

Show examples from the web [+]

Without money, unable to speak the language.
I feel like I've been dropped into some foreign country, And I should speak the language, but I don't.
If anyone asks, you don't speak the language.
You live in the country, but you do not speak the language.
So that when you go to France you can speak the language.
Their earnings are taken by traffickers, they are unable to speak the language and they are oppressed by the fear and the secrecy that surrounds this issue.
You may not speak the language, but you can say yes or no.
If I could speak the language of rabbits they would be amazed and I would be their king.
To speak of justice in that country is to speak the language of torture and of systematic brutality.
As a demonstration of linguistic solidarity, I am opting today to speak the language of farmers and seafarers, for the language of Castelão, a defender of true individual and collective freedom, taking the specific as my starting point and moving on to universal truths.
10,000 years in this country and they still don't speak the language.
I'm learning to speak the language of the natives here.
Let's go somewhere where we don't speak the language.
You think, because l speak the language, l can get answers.
You speak the language of diplomacy well.
He just learned to speak the language of wormhole.
I'm in Panama, I don't speak the language...
We wish to speak the language of truth with Turkey.
Most airlines endeavour to employ cabin staff who speak the language of the majority of the passengers they transport.

Alternatives:

speak a language
speak English
speak Spanish

This phrase is correct and can be used in a more general sense when talking about language.

"speak language"

This phrase is used when discussing language in a broader context, such as 'He has the ability to speak language effectively.'

Examples:

She has a talent for speaking language with clarity.
The course focuses on teaching students how to speak language confidently.
He can speak language in a way that captivates his audience.

Show examples from the web [+]

It didn't speak language, but it didn't matter.
And I understand you speak languages.
We knew he didn't speak languages.
The Bureau needs analysts that speak this language.
Speaks 5 languages, including Hebrew and French.
Because no man can speak my language.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, giving Europeans the best training for the future, from their earliest youth, whatever their origin and level of education, above all means giving them the ability to speak languages other than their mother tongue.
I also speak a foreign language, Charlie.
They speak a different language with computers.
Neal Caffrey has 27 known aliases, speaks eight languages, including conversational Swahili.
I just need to know how to speak their language.
Now he remembers his past life and everything, even speaks the language.
How can anyone speak 19 languages?
How can anyone speak 19 languages?
Me, at least I speak all languages.
It's... to speak the language of the stars.
Speaks four languages, is a concert pianist.
I heard she speaks five languages.
Ragnar: You can't even speak their language.
I speak your language, thanks to him.

Alternatives:

speak a language
speak fluently
speak eloquently

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speak the language vs speak language