What does the prohibition against women speaking in church in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 mean?

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In 1^st Corinthians 14:34-35 (NASB), Paul says:

³⁴The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. ³⁵If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.

Historically, what do we know about the format of early church services, and what does “speaking in church” signify? What was Paul’s intent in conveying this command?