FORMAL and INFORMAL language: definition + examples

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When it comes to establishing effective communication, speakers of any language adapt their language depending on who they are talking to. directing, what is the topic on which they want to discuss, for what reason, for what and through what means of communication (oral or written) they want Express oneself.

In other words, the way we communicate It varies depending on the situation, the receiver of the message and the context mainly. In this way, two main types of language can be established: formal or informal. Therefore, in this lesson from a TEACHER we are going to dedicate ourselves to defining and establishing what is formal and informal language with examples to make your understanding easier.

Index

1. What is formal language - with examples
2. What is informal language - with examples
3. Differences between formal and informal language
4. Oral and written means of communication

The formal language is he speech register that we use when we are in more formal contexts and more alien to our familiarity or intimate environment. Examples could be communication between boss-employee, student-teacher or doctor-patient.

In addition, we leave you here below the points to which you should pay attention to identify a type of formal language:

• Pay attention to a grammar and spelling correct
• The sentences are usually long and complex
• Uses a vocabulary rich and varied
• They tend to target the recipient of you
• Use synonyms or pronouns to avoid redundancies
• Correct pronunciation
• Avoid expressions such as idioms, vulgarisms or fillers
• There are no omissions
• The information is presented in a structured and coherent
• It does not accept diminutives or any other type of colloquial expressions

Examples of formal language

• If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me
• I hope you take my candidacy into account
• Excuse me, could you tell me what time it is?
• Due to the events that occurred last month, the city council will be forced to take precautionary measures
• May I help you?
• Dear Mr. Rocafonda: I am writing to inform you about ...

On the other hand, informal language is a type of register that we carry out when we are in communicative contexts family or intimate. The characteristics of the informal registration They are:

• Doesn't always follow grammar and spelling rules
• The sentences are usually simple and short
• They go to the receiver of your
• Uses a vocabulary rather poor, repetitive and repetitive
• Use of fillers, idioms or vulgarisms
• The pronunciation not always correct
• Words are sometimes omitted so that communication is faster
• It is a record in which expressions of colloquial character and with expressive features such as puns or set phrases

Examples of informal language

• Oh go! It costs an arm and a leg
• Uncle, in what a mess you've gotten yourself
• How cool we don't have homework today!
• Well, it's like you have to get all the cards before the game is over.
• I'm freaking out! When they were caught they fled without saying anything
• You totally lost your mind for that girl

Humans tend to change the way we speak in front of another person depending on the type of relationship that we have established with the same and the situation in which we find ourselves. The type of language or expressions that we use with our best friend when talking about the weekend plan is not the same as the How we communicate with our boss when asking for a promotion, since there is a type of closeness and different records.

This is understood in such a way that, in the same way as to attend a wedding or an interview of work there is a dress code that adapts to the situation, when communicating it is also necessary adjust our language to a formal or informal record.

• Informal language: by general normal, informal language is understood to be that which develops in everyday contexts, colloquial and with people close to us, in which the degree of proximity is narrow so we feel relaxed when communicating. It could be with our family, friends, classmates, etc., it is definitely the type of language that we use daily and mostly in a way oral.
• Formal language: while on the other hand, the formal language requires certain parameters more closed, in which the relationship with the receiver is more far away and therefore more serious linguistic codes are created. For example, as when a hierarchical relationship is established, such as that of teacher-student or boss-employee.

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Traditionally, the use of informal language to oral communication, Meanwhile he formal language has better served a written communication. This is because mainly oral communication has been used by speakers in situations that correspond to their day to day, relegating to the background the written communication that was used in a much smaller percentage and with more restricted purposes and formal.

However, this paradigm is changing, and in fact has already done so, thanks to the different forms of communication offered by the new technologies. With the invention of the Internet and various electronic devices there has been a boom in terms of written communication. Emails, text messages through messaging applications, etc., have led to that users of a language increasingly communicate with each other in writing and with character informal.

If you want to read more articles similar to Formal and informal language - With examples, we recommend that you enter our category of Grammar and Linguistics.

• Moraes, M. F. C. TO. D. (2014). Language variations (formal and informal) in the educational context in the city of Tefé (Amazonas, BR): Diversity or school failure.
• Valera, J. (2013). Formal and informal language.