Formal vs. Informal Language When to use which? Use both knowledge and wisdom to decide!

What Is Formal Language? Is used when you want to make a good impression on people in respected positions. You speak in a more traditional way and use longer forms of words when you want to be formal. No contractions, slang, or text language is used (it’s, yeah!, or OMG, etc). Is used when asking or requesting something. Is used when making a formal complaint.

DICTION Diction is word choice or choosing the correct words appropriately for each situation. Word choice is important in establishing tone Three levels of diction: 1. high or formal diction – formal language 2. neutral diction 3. informal or low diction – informal language

Use Formal Language with: Teachers Principals Counselors Neighbors Firemen, Policemen, and other civil servants Who else?

Use Formal Language with (contin.) Formal Situations ************************ job interview Principal’s office visit business letter school/class essay

What makes FORMAL language? Formal language does not use contractions Avoids personal pronouns such as: you, I, us, me, and we Includes more polysyllabic words—BIGGER words Uses complex and/or complete sentences Avoids using colloquial or slang vocabulary

What Is Informal Language? Is used when you talk to peers or adults whom you feel close to. You might speak in a more relaxed way, by using slang and shorter forms of words, when you want to be informal. You should continue to be respectful when being informal.

Use Informal Language with: Your best friend and other friends Your sister or brother Your girlfriend or boyfriend Your cousin, etc. Who else?

Use Informal Language with: (contin.) Informal Situations ********************** text message friendly letter “locker” conversation Journal-style writing

What makes INFORMAL language? Simple grammatical structure Personal evaluation Colloquial or slang vocabulary

Informal Language Examples: Hi Sure! Will ya? Ya gotta do it! What do you want?

Formal Language Examples: I would be delighted! I certainly appreciate this. It has been a pleasure meeting you. Could you possibly give me a hand with this project?

Formal or Informal? What do you think? You call your father at work and his boss answers the phone. You are asking someone out on a date. You are talking to your parents at the dinner table. You are trying to convince the assistant principal to change the date of the detention you were given.

Formal Language: Body Language and Diction Body Language Looks like: Standing or sitting straighter than usual Sounds like: “Hello, Ms. Fountain” “Please, may I…” “It is so nice to meet you.”

Informal Language: Body Language and Diction Body Language Looks like: Standing or sitting in a relaxed position Sounds like: Using slang “Hi” “What are ya doin’?” “What’s new?”

Formal vs. Informal When to use which? Wisdom is knowing what to do next; success means using it. David Starr Jordan