Description

1. Informal versus Formal Language
Language is a profound and complex way of communicating with
people all around the world. People can either use Formal language or
Informal language to communicate with each other. However, this may
depend on the situation and environment where the communication is
taking place. Sometimes language also depends on the status scale which
determines the role of a person.
Some people use personal language to communicate with each other. For
example, brother and sister may use informal tone to communicate with
each other. There will be a change inthe way they speak and probably
this will depict behavior as well. There are many ways in which a
language will change if it is communicated in an informal way. Firstly,
their way of greetings will change. If we refer to sample one in the
question above, the word ‘Hi’ denotes that this is an informal greeting
which is not normally used in formal languages. Secondly, use of
informal vocatives. Vocatives are words used for a noun hat identifies a
person being addressed. For example, ‘Nana’ is shown as an informal
vocative in example one. Use of contractions is another feature which
makes the language informal or personal. Contracted forms in simple
terms means words which involve omission of vowel sounds and is
replaced by apostrophe. For example, you are replaced by ‘you’re’ in
example one.
When using a personal language, one is not careful about the
pronunciation of words. Mostly nowadays people tend to use expletives
when engaged in a personal communication. Some use it when the
situation makes them angry and others just use it playfully as a form of
comedy. In example one Ray is a bit frustrated over sootbucket for
making him late. Ray uses expletive on soot bucket calling him a
‘Bastard’. Sometimes there is a high solidarity between speakers when
they talk to their relatives. Solidarity is feeling of closeness between two

2. people. In most cases of high solidarity we can speak openly with the
other party as Ray does with his mother.
In contrast to personal language, Formal language is not based on
personal relationships but on formal status and low solidarity. For
example, in sample two principal is of higher status than of Ray who is
just a student. Ray is not able to speak openly to the principal because
principal is of higher authority and is not a relative, friend, or a
classmate of Ray. Hence, Ray has to use formal language while
engaging in conversation with the principal.
There are different structures to follow while engaging in formal
conversation which is why it differs from informal language. Firstly,
formal greetings are always found in the language. This is evident in
example 2 when Ray says ‘good morning’ to the Principal. Secondly,
formal language avoids the use of contractions. Thirdly, formal
vocatives are mostly found in formal languages to address other party.
For example, Ray addressed principal as ‘Sir’ to show him respect. In
regards to pronunciation the student chose his words carefully because
of the participant (principal) who is of higher status. There is also a
change in phonology of example 2 compared to example 1. In example
1, the language is a bit rude but in example 2 the language is polite
which denotes that there is a change in tone and pitch.
In a nutshell, it is proved through this essay that same language is not
applied everywhere. People use personal language with their friends,
family and relatives but they have to use formal language at work, with
people of higher status which determines the status scale. Hence, it is
important for everyone to know as to why same language cannot be used
everywhere.
Satya Jeet Singh
(Approximately: 550 words)