TEFL Chizhou

In contrast to many languages (like Korean, french, Russian) english does not distinguish formal and informal address overtly, for example by pronoun choice.1 As a result, I have found that many efl learners, specifically in Asia, are unaware that different social settings and social interactions require the speaker to not only use different words but also to use different grammar. Therefore, when students are shown the differences between formal and informal language for the first time they are often left feeling overwhelmed. As a simple example I will show how vocabulary differs between formal and informal language Please refrain from smoking (formal) Please don’t smoke (informal)2 What one notices first is the difference in vocabulary used. In formal english the word refrain is used, which comes from the Old french word refraigner meaning to restrain. On the other hand, informal english uses the word do which is from the Old english word don meaning ‘make, act, perform.’3 This difference is a form of Latinization, that is to say, for words to have a more formal ‘proper’ sound the speaker must use a Latinate (i.e. sound more french) rather than a more vulgar Germanic counterpart. This idea is not unique to english. In the Korean language, formal and informal language is very clearly defined. Words of chinese origin (i.e. the noble class) are used in formal settings; news headlines and broadcasts etc., whereas words of purely Korean origin are used in everyday speech. Korean, unlike english wherein family members use informal language, uses formal Sino-Korean words when speaking to elders even in a family setting. Therefore, beginners of the Korean language learn early on about the differences between formal and informal language and often start class only using the formal form. The same cannot be said for english. Asking students, even in an advanced class, for Latinates of common english words is often followed by blank stares. The easiest way that I have found to teach the difference is to teach the Latinates as new words, synonyms for the students to become aware of. A good example can be seen below Dictionary of Formal & Informal english4 Type Informal Formal Prep. About … Regarding / Concerning … Conj. And As well as … Conj. Because … As a result of / due to (the fact) … Verb Begin Commence Conj. But While / Whereas Adj. Careful / Cautious Prudential Verb Check Verify Looking at the smoking example above you will notice one more difference. In informal english, contractions (do not – don’t) are the norm. Formal english, on the other hand, dictates that we should write in the longer, more formal way. In Korea, this difference isn’t a major problem as many students, due to their education system, still write and talk in a non-contracted way. Students here understand that formal letters require a longer non-contracted form. The problem though is a new form of informal english – email / twitter / text talk. Students think it is acceptable, for example, to start an email with Hi / Hello rather than Dear Sir / Madam. Therefore, like with the Latinates, it is important to teach students not only the correct vocabulary for formal letters, but also the correct format. As well as Latinates and contractions, students must also be aware of the different social situations that require a person to use formal language. Below is a table created by Professor A Zapata in Venezuela5 that explains the different situations that english speakers and students of english must know about in order to use the correct form. FORMAL english INFORMAL english - It is used in academic writing (e.g., essays, reports, resumes, theses, and the like), and formal social events such as public speeches, graduation ceremonies, and assemblies depending upon the topic. It is suitable for ordinary conversations or letters to friends. - It is more used in everyday speech (esp., conversations) than in writing. - It is more commonly used in writing than in speech. - It often violates the conventions of “standard” language. For example: - Sentences are often short (or choppy) and simple; - Subject-verb agreement is not necessarily observed; - Contractions and acronyms are very common; - The active voice is often used; - The present tense of modal auxiliaries is common, and so on. - It often violates the conventions of “standard” language. For example: - Sentences are often short (or choppy) and simple; - Subject-verb agreement is not necessarily observed; - Contractions and acronyms are very common; - The active voice is often used; - The present tense of modal auxiliaries is common, and so on. - It is less organized and thought out; Despite the subtlety of differences between Formal and Informal language in english, I think it is important for students to become aware that there is a difference between forms. Not only is the form important in the english speaking world it will also increase the students vocabulary and knowledge about the history and culture of the english language, which will, in turn, give students a deeper and more appreciative view of the english language. References 1. “I Thou Thee, Thou Traitor”: Predicting Formal vs. Informal Address in english Literature 2. http://www.englishspark.com/en/students/453-informal-language 3. http://www.etymonline.com/ 4. http://www.blssrl.com/assets/Formal_Informal_english.pdf 5.http://webdelprofesor.ula.ve/humanidades/azapata/materias/english_4/formal_vs_informal_english.pdf