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English is actually almost two separate languages: one is the English that is spoken, and the other is the English that we write. For example, the subject/verb "I can" is usually pronounced "I kin", whereas the common use of contractions renders "I cannot" into "I kant" when spoken. One wishing to lean English must be alert for both forms. On the other hand, the ease with one can express relationships between nouns, particularly possessive relationships, makes English much more streamlined that the Romance languages. Notice, for example how much shorter signs or instructions are in English as compared to Spanish when you see them side by side.

English also has a marvelous and unique proclivity for making nouns into verbs, almost without limit. We can "Google" something or "railroad" someone. One of my favorite examples was in the film, "The King's Speech", when King Edward's brother asks him what he has been doing lately, he replies the he has been "kinging".

>> English is actually almost two separate languages: one is the English that is spoken, and the other is the English that we write <<

Entirely true. And your observation is a useful one.

But on the other hand, I doubt that we can find another modern language (except maybe Esperanto) where -- to one degree or another -- the situation is basically different.

That is, while spoken and written always are somehow related, they are never so closely related that a high degree of competency in reading automatically ensures competency in conversation.