An Introduction to Informal Language and Its Characteristics

Informal language is a vital aspect of communication that reflects our casual and personal interactions. Unlike formal language, which is used in professional and public settings, informal language is a mode of expression that captures our friendships, family relationships, and everyday conversations. This article explores examples of informal language, its distinguishing features, and why it holds such importance in our daily lives.

What is an Example of Informal Language?

One common example of informal language is slang. Slang consists of words and phrases that are not typically found in formal language and often represent specific social groups or cultures. It is often used in casual settings, such as with friends, family, or in social media communication. For instance, someone might say, “Hey dude, wanna come for a drive.” The term “dude” is a casual way to address a friend or peer, and the phrase “wanna come for a drive” is an abbreviated and colloquial way to request to join a car journey.

Characteristics of Informal Language

Informal language is characterized by its casual tone, brevity, and often, its contractions. It includes slang, idiomatic expressions, and a variety of gestures and voice modulations that convey meaning beyond the spoken or written words. This type of communication is often referred to as grapevine communication, as it can spread rapidly among a group of people, much like a grapevine directly from vine to vine.

Informal Dialogue

To illustrate, consider the following informal dialogue:

Friend 1 - Hey! What’s up yaar

Friend 2 - Nothing much just chillin’

Friend 1 - Wanna go to the gym kya

Friend 2 - Hell yes man!

In this dialogue, “Hey” is a casual greeting, “yaar” is a term of endearment often used in South Asian informal settings, “chillin’” describes the current state of the speaker, and the informal pronunciation “wanna” is a contraction of “want to.” These elements together contribute to the casual and friendly tone of the conversation.

Informal Letter

Even written communication can be informal. For example:

Dear friend,

How are you been so long since I sent you a letter! ……

Lots of love/kisses hugs,

This informal letter concludes with a personal touch, such as “lots of love/kisses hugs,” which is also a popular abbreviation for expressing affection. The casual tone and personal touch are indicative of the relaxed and friendly nature of the letter.

Examples of Informal Language

Here are a few more examples of informal language:

“Hey dude wanna come for a drive.”

“Myself Gazala Khan…”

Writing something without showing gratitude, like “Here you go.”

These phrases are typical of informal conversational or written exchanges, where the speaker or writer seeks to convey a personal or casual message without adhering to strict grammatical rules or formality.

Formal Language vs. Informal Language

Formal language, in contrast, is used in professional and structured settings. It is more polished and concise, often using more complex vocabulary and sentence structure. For instance, in a formal conversation or letter, one might say:

Formal Dialogue

X - Good morning sir how are you doing today

Boss - I am doing fine thank you and you

X - Im doing fine too thank you.

In this dialogue, the correct grammar and use of formal titles like “sir,” along with the polite responses, demonstrate the formal language used in professional settings.

Formal Letter

Respected Sir/Madame,

I, XYZ, would like to bring to your notice that …

Thanking you,

Your sincerely,

XYZ

This formal letter uses a structured format, proper salutations, and a polite conclusion, as well as abbreviations for formal titles and endings to indicate respect and formality.

Understanding the distinction between formal and informal language can enhance our communication skills, helping us to choose the right words and tone for the appropriate context.