1.4. The relationship between written and spoken language
1.4.2. Informal and formal language
Formal language is, for most parts, thought as a written language. “In contrast to spoken English, a distinctive feature of academic writing style is for writers to choose the more formal alternative when selecting a verb, noun, or other part of speech” [27, p.5 – 9]. In general, it is confined to the realm of the serious:
text books, academic or technical work, and most university essays. In addition, there are some features to be found in formal language:
- Using inanimate nouns as subject.
Example: + The inclement climatic conditions obliged the President to return earlier than scheduled.
- Using passive structures.
Example: + active: Werner Heisenberg formulated the uncertainty principle in 1927.
+ passive: The uncertainty principle was formulated by Werner Heisenberg in 1927.
- Using verbal nouns.
Example: + The crew was obliged to return earlier than planned due to poor weather conditions.
Yet, formal writing can easily become incomprehensible as it is too convoluted and wordy.
On the other hand, informal English is the language spoken by most people daily. As suggested by Leech and Svartvik [30], informal language (or colloquial
Nguyen Vu Linh – Group K18A2 – Course 2011 - 2015 21 language) is the language of private conversation, of personal letters, etc. It is the form of language that a native speaking child becomes familiar with. Because it is generally easier to understand than formal English, it is often used nowadays in public communication of a popular kind; for example, advertisements and popular newspapers mainly employ colloquial or informal style. While educated speakers retain their knowledge of formal rules, they are more relaxed about grammar and less concerned with vocabulary when they are engaged in ordinary conversation.
Like formal language, features of informal language are also found:
- See humans as the subjects of sentences.
Example: + Please await instructions before dispatching items.
+ He established her own brand named “Versace” in 1978.
- Using active structures.
Example: + Please wait for instructions before sending the items off.
+ The local people built this house in 1989.
+ You can control the trains this way and if you do that, you can be quite sure that they’ll be able to run more safely and more quickly than they would no matter how bad the weather gets.
- Using verb structures.
Example: + Don’t send anything off until you’re told to do so.
It is a fact that written language is more formal than spoken one. However, we sometimes use informal language to write to our close relationships, or we also meet this case on newspaper articles and columns, etc. and vice-versa, in summit conferences, international forums, diplomatic meetings, or letters related to government, business… formal language is used. Thus, it is essential to make decision on which situation we can use formal language or informal language. Next, there will be two letters with different style, forms that will help learners distinguish formal letter from informal one.
Nguyen Vu Linh – Group K18A2 – Course 2011 - 2015 22
● Formal letter [35]
Expert Marketing Consultants 21 Blackett Street
Manchester MC1 3PQ
1st November 1992
The Manager Hotel Grande 13 Fore Street Manchester MC3 7NJ
Dear Sir/Madam
Thank you for the letter of 24th June.
I was very interested to hear about the drama festival you are holding in the summer and sympathize with your aims and needs. Unfortunately I am unable to help you as out company has a fixed budget for sponsorship and at present no new ventures will be considered until next year. I hope your festival is successful and can only suggest that perhaps you contact us again next year.
In the meantime, good luck!
Yours faithfully Peter
Marketing Manager
Nguyen Vu Linh – Group K18A2 – Course 2011 - 2015 23
● Informal letter [53]
3 Hamilton Street London NW6 7GE
28th September
Dear Katherine,
Thank you very much for your letter. Sorry I haven’t been in touch for ages. I have been stuck with the arrangement for my mom’s birthday. That’s my present to her, a super-secret party.
Now, that I have just started school, I have a lot of homework to do and more things to learn. But I’m alright, besides I’m usually tired and bored. Can’t wait for the weekend! My mom asked about you a few times, maybe you should come and have dinner with us sometimes. Dad will cook something delicious if you decide to come and join our dinner in family.
And, what about out friend, Jena? Have you spoken to her, recently? I’m really looking forward to seeing both of you. I hope you’d getting on with your family, because last time you had a fight.
I must stop now and go to the math tutorials. Give my love to your parents. Write me soon.
Love from, Dana