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Formal language - Formal language is the language you use when in a serious situation. It is used in school, academic papers, in a business environment and government institutions. It is mostly defined by the formal grammar. Non-formal language – It is a spontaneous speech for a casual occasion. It is labeled as vulgar slang in the dictionary. It does not follow conventions of standard English. Difference between formal and non-formal language Formal language - Non-formal language Used in academic writing and contract letters - Used in non-academic writing Passive structure - Active structure To request - To ask for I look forward to meeting you next week - See you next week It is better organized and thought out - Unorganised and not thought out Sophisticated and complicated words - Less complicated words Increase/decrease - Go up/down To achieve organizational objectives - To meet personal needs and interests Informal language is what people speak on a daily basis. Formal language is free of slang and jargon. Non-formal language flows freely in all directions, where else formal language flows only either upwards or downwards direction. In non-formal language, words are shot and in a simple form, formal language in normally in full sentences and complex. The informal language lacks tact and respectability. Non-formal language does not have a curriculum, syllabus and can also be obtained through reading library books and educational internet sites though some sources are not reliable. Non-formal language has a lot of sources that are cost-free and time-efficient. The choice of vocabulary is very important when using formal language. The formal language provides in-service, on-the-job, vocational and professional training to different categories of employees and professionals to improve their skills. Informal education learning is gaining knowledge without an imposed framework, such as learning new job skills. Some¬times informal language is more effective than the formal language, It also carries more information than formal language. When telling a friend a story it is informal, relaxed and casual, other than a job interview where you represent yourself in a formal language Pros and Cons of formal and non-formal language Non-formal language helps in building the confidence and abilities among the youth of today. It also helps in the development of personal relationships not only among the youth but also among the adults. It helps in developing interpersonal skills among young people as they learn to interact with peers outside the class and with adults in the community. You can improve formal language through vocabulary used. It is equally important to be able to translate from non-formal to formal language when thinking out a complicated problem. One should be able to recognize the formal and non-formal style. If one is unsure what kind of language to use it is better to listen to the other person first and then respond accordingly so. Formal language maintains the originality of the language which allows people from different backgrounds to understand each other clearly when using the language whether in spoken or written form. The formal language indicates the importance of the conversation or written document. For example, members of parliament always use formal language in parliament, but they can use informal language when they meet each other at a pub or bar. Formal language necessitates formal training/learning. People who do not have education in that language may not understand complex expressions spoken or written in the language. Conclusion Both formal and non-formal language is equally important for communication. You need to know the formal language because you want to be able to read a book, give a business presentation or write an official letter. You also need informal language because you want to be able to understand and communicate with English speakers in everyday situations, it can either be spoken or written. They are both arts of communication. There is a time and a place for everything, and that same rule of thought can be applied to language. There are times when more formal language is required, but there are also times when it is appropriate to adopt a less formal approach. To sound respectful when meeting someone one for the first time use of formal language is recommended. The English language has grown into a primary language of communication all around the world. The society is changing rapidly non-formal language, due to inversion of the internet and texting, even in a situation where formal language should be used for example: work team group-chat “WhatsApp” changes the formality of the group chat to informal language because of the platform being used. An appropriate mixture of formal and informal language can still make communication effective. Formal and informal language serve different purposes.
