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A) Language and Style
b) Slang
LANGUAGE and
STYLE
In any language, different styles of expression
are appropriate in different situations. We can go from the formal
to the informal,
the written to
the spoken, from
technical
language (or jargon) to slang.
| There are no "rules" as such; nevertheless,
there are plenty of features which distinguish formal styles from informal
styles. here are some of them. |
Principles of English written style:
Note: these are principles:
they are by no means to be considered as "rules". Examples follow.
a) The more formal
a document is, the more it will use inanimate nouns as subjects of
a sentence.
b) The more formal
language is, the more it is likely to use passive structures.
c) The more formal
language is, the more verbal nouns it will use.
d) the more formal
a document is, the more words of Latin origin it will use.
Conversely
a) The more informal
or spontaneous language is, the more it will use humans as the subjects
of sentences.
b) The more informal
a text is, the less it will use passive structures,
c) The more informal
a text is, the more it will use verb structures (where a choice is possible).
b) The more informal
or spoken a text is, the more words of Germanic origin it will use.
Here are some examples; in each case, the
same idea is expressed using three different levels of formality: look
at the different changes that occur, as we move from a formal style to
an informal one
1. The inclement
climatic conditions obliged the President to return earlier than scheduled.
The president was obliged to return earlier
than planned due to poor weather conditions.
The president had to go back sooner than he'd
planned because the weather was so bad. |
2. Please await
instructions before dispatching items.
Please wait for instructions before sending
items off.
Don't send anything off until you're told
to do so. |
Essential measures should be undertaken at
the earliest opportunity.
One should undertake any necessary measures
at the earliest opportunity.
You should do whatever you have to as soon
as you can. |
Prior to the discovery of America, potatoes
were not consumed in Europe.
Before America was discovered, potatoes were
not eaten in Europe.
Before they discovered America, Europeans
didn't eat potatoes. |
From Written to spoken styles.
Written and spoken versions of a language use
different styles, different registers. To talk in "written English" may
be no more appropriate than to write using a "spoken" variety of English.
Generally speaking, written English is always more formal than spoken English.
nevertheless, there are informal forms of written English (notably in fiction
and in the popular press), and formal styles of spoken English, in particular
"discourse", or prepared speech.
In the following examples, the same message is
expressed in five different styles, from an extremely formal written style,
to the very informal spoken style.
Note in particular how the colour coded word
groups evolve.
(The information expressed in the following examples is necessarily
quite technical, as formal jargon levels of expression are totally inappropriate
for non technical communication).
a) Jargon, very formal.
This is the style of language used in official reports, technical studies,
etc. It is exclusively a style of written English, full of verbal nouns,technical
words and passives.
Consequent to the
appreciation
in the exchange value of Sterling against other currencies,
necessary fiscal measures were introduced
by the government in order to reduce the
likelihood of an import-led
consumer spending surge. |
b) Written, formal, clear.
This is clear, written English, as found in the
press or in documents aimed at ordinary educated readers.
After
the international value of Sterling rose,
the government was obliged to take fiscal
measures to reduce
the likelihood of a surge
in consumer spending led by cheaper imports. |
c) Written style for the general public, discourse,
scripted radio or TV news style.
As the
value of Sterling increased
compared to other currencies, the government was
forced to take tax measures to head
off a
rapid increase in consumer spending spurred on by cheaper imports. |
d) Formal spoken style - radio, seminar, talk.
As Sterling's
international value went up,
the government had to take tax measures
to
head
off a consumer spending boom spurred on by
cheaper imports. |
e) Relaxed, informal spoken style: discussion.
There is plenty of use of prepositional verbs.
All
actions are now expressed through verbs, not verbal nouns
As Sterling
went up in value, the government had
to put up taxes to stopconsumers
splashing out on too many cheap imports. |
f) relaxed, simplified, chat, very informal
spoken style;
Note the addition of repetition and fillers.
And you see, Sterling got
more and more valuable, so
as a result, the government had to go
round putting up taxes, you see, to stopeveryone
going out and splashing out, spending all their money on cheap imports. |
Example 2
Considering the gravity of the impending situation,
it was suggested that the Board should take immediate damage limitation
measures, including, should it be necessary, a substantial reduction in
the workforce.
Students: try rephrasing this sentence
in at least two less formal styles:
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