Usage of “neulich” and “in letzter Zeit”

Question

What is the difference between neulich and in letzter Zeit? Both mean recently.

1. Ich habe neulich mit meiner Mutter geredet.
2. Ich habe in letzter Zeit mit meiner Mutter geredet.

Answer 1

Neulich is used to point at a single point in time in the past like the other day.

In letzter Zeit refers to a time span like in the last weeks or lately.

1. I've talked to my mother the other day.
2. I haven't talked to my mother much lately. (not exactly your example)