speak/talk

[rajeshmalladi]

Please explain me the difference and when to use 'speak' and when to use 'talk'.

Thanks,
Rajesh

[Rusty]

Please explain me the difference and when to use 'speak' and when to use 'talk'. (I found a couple of sites on the Internet that try to explain the differences. I hope these are helpful).

http://www.zednet.lv/~avenija/improve/facts.htm
Say vs. Speak vs. Talk vs. Tell
These words are very similar. What is the difference? It is small but important. Let's take a look:
We use ' say ' when we are quoting the words that people used.
For example:
* "I said that I am coming tonight."
We use 'speak' when we are talking about how people use words.
For example:
* "I speak Japanese."
* "I speak quickly."
We use 'talk' when people are communicating.
For example:
* "I was talking (chatting or having a conversation) with Jane this morning."
We use 'tell' to mean 'teach' or 'give information.'
For example:
* "Please tell (give information to) me your name."

http://www.dwds.net/theenglishpage/
"speak" vs. "talk"
These two words have the same meaning (to communicate by using speech), but they are used differently. "Speak" is used with languages, greetings, and in formal settings. "Talk" generally refers to a conversation.
e.g. Do you speak Italian?
Hello. May I please speak to Mr. Starks?
I have no idea what you're talking about.

[rajeshmalladi]

I spoke to my friend, Jim, this morning.

Is this sentence correct? My doubt is why can't we say 'I talked to my friend, Jim, this morning. We actually talk, right(I mean we both speak to each other).

What is the difference between the above sentences?

Thank you,
Rajesh

[Rusty]

I spoke to my friend, Jim, this morning. (Correct).

Is this sentence correct? My doubt is why can't we say 'I talked to my friend, Jim, this morning. We actually talk, right(I mean we both speak to each other). ("I talked to my friend" is also correct).

What is the difference between the above sentences? (Spoke is a little more formal. "I talked to my friend" is something like "We had a chat". Basically, speak and talk have the same meaning).