Formal and Informal

Formal and informal We vary the language we use, when speaking and writing, depending on our audience and purpose. Formal language is used when: we need to be serious the subject is important we don’t know the audience very well the audience/reader is somebody in authority. Informal language is used when we feel more relaxed about the topic or the person we are writing/speaking to.

Style conventions INFORMAL language will probably use… FORMAL language will probably use… the active voice colloquial language a friendly tone jokes, gossip, cartoons the passive voice standard English a reserved/polite tone longer sentences Each language style has its own conventions:

Speaking formally

Dinner at a formal restaurantBBQ with friends Would you mind passing me the salt? Would it be possible to see the dessert menu? Excuse me, I wish to make a complaint. This fish is cold. Can you pass the salt? This is yummy! I’m stuffed. Fill in the opposite side of the table with a suitably formal/informal alternative. The first one has been done for you. Can you think of any more?

Speaking informally At precisely ten-thirty this morning a sabre-toothed tiger was spotted in a lane just outside Ipson, Hampshire. It is believed the tiger may have escaped from a a local zoo although police have not yet confirmed this. Members of the public are urged not to approach the tiger should they encounter it. Residents of the village have already taken some precautionary measures against the wild animal, with many refusing to leave their houses until such time as they receive weapons with which to defend themselves in case of attack. How has you language changed to suit your audience? Imagine you hear this news report on your way to school. Retell the story to your friends, speaking informally.

Speaking formally Your friend Stephanie is complaining about a CD she bought. Right, you’re not going to believe this. I went down to Rockin’ Records, like I said yesterday. You know, to get the new Justin CD anyway, ‘coz Trace said it was wicked. So I went all the way into town after school so I could listen to it at the weekend. Anyhow I only got the CD home. I put in my Discman like. And was it Justin? No! I’d only gone and bought One True Voice hadn’t I! Typical. So I want me money back but I dunno what to say in the shop. Roleplay the conversation Stephanie should have when she complains formally in the shop.

Activity

Writing formally

Inappropriate attitude No address Uses first name Colloquial Bad grammar Slang Spelling Weak argument Off the point Informal ending Writing formally

Reg hasn’t really tried to convince the council that it would be in their own interests to keep the club open. For example, they could have said that having a club for teenagers reduced the amount of vandalism in the community. He hasn’t thought about the purpose of the letter (to persuade people in authority to reconsider) or the audience (councillors who have authority and power). Writing formally Write a formal letter which might persuade the council to at least think again about their plans.

Writing informally