Hi all,
Having learned the materials in Session 1, now please discuss the following questions.
1. How do you distinguish between informal and formal English language and why do you
think it is important to learn both languages?
2. Compare these two sentences.
A) Sorry, but we can’t meet this deadline.
B) We regret to inform you that we will not be able to meet this deadline.
What do you think is the difference between sentence A and sentence B? Explain your
answer based on this week’s learning material
3. How would you explain the difference between slang and colloquialism? Please provide 2
(two) examples of each.
For question 1, 2, and 3, you can answer either in English or Indonesian.
Have a great discussion!
Jawaban :
1. Having learning the materials in session 1, I can conclude that distinguish both informal
and formal language depend on the business, who you are speaking with, and what you are
talking about. When you are working cross-culturally or people who don’t know very well, using
formal language helps in order to there is no misunderstanding happen and its sound polite and
became received.
There are some ways to distinguish both informal and formal English language;
1). Grammar, in formal language, grammar is more complex and sentences are generally longer.
For example: We regret to inform you that the delivery will be delayed due to adverse weather
conditions [formal], Sorry to keep you waiting [informal].
2). Modal Verbs, formal language uses modal verbs. For example:
3). Pronouns, formal language is less personal, and is more likely to use the ‘we’ as a pronoun
rather than ‘I’: For example:
We can assist in the resolution of this matter. Contact us on our help line number [formal]
o I’m sorry, but…. [informal]
4). The use of vocabularies, in formal language, words are generally longer. For example:
Require [formal] vs need [informal]
Purchase [formal] vs buy [informal]
5). Contractions, These are not used in formal language. In informal language they are used for
easier flow and faster speech. For example:
She has decided to accept the job offer [formal]
She’s decided to accept the job offer [informal]
6). The using abbreviations and acronym are not use in formal language. For example: ‘As soon
as possible’ [formal] vs ‘asap’ [informal]
7). Colloquial language is not used in formal language. For example: Would you like a cup of tea?
[Formal] vs fancy a cuppa? [Informal]
I think learning the languages both is important because first we can distinguish both of
languages. We can use languages suitable situation and considered the most appropriate
method of address in many situation. We know that in written and speaking, formal
language has ability to convey knowledge and provide sense of occasion, while
informality ha ability to minimize social distance and easy to understood.
2. A . I’m sorry but we can meet this deadline
B. We regret to inform you that we will not be able to meet this deadline.
Based on having learning the materials this week. Both of the sentences are different. Sentence
A is informal English language because it’s reflected by grammar used is not complex and no
longer sentence (simple) to the point, the use pronoun ‘I’ (it’s personal). While sentence B is
formal English language because the grammar use is complex and sentence use is longer and
more polite. Depend on the sentence, we can identified who are we talking with and the purpose
of the spoken communication.
3. The difference of slang language is often used to indicate a certain informal usage of almost
everyone in the speech community. According to the oxford dictionary "Special vocabulary used
by group of low or bad character; low key and vulgar type language". For example : phone
( telephone),teens (teenagers) etc.
While collocation is two or more words in English that are often located to each other. For
example : "Can I have a cup of coffee please?", The sun rises in the east.
