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Difference Between Formal and Non Formal LanguageThe differences in formal and informal language are of great consequence to the ESL student, be that student a child or adult, novice or advanced. Though formal english constitutes the majority of business-based english in the world, informal english constitutes much of what is spoken day to day. There are few set rules that distinguish the formal from the informal in english, and these distinctions become problematic for the student of ESL. The study of formal and informal english consists of two parts: what constitutes formal or informal english, and in what setting each is appropriate. The formality of english is largely concerned with diction. Watkins et al. write: “Formal english is impersonal; it uses I and you sparingly. It avoids colloquial (conversational) expressions and slang; its vocabulary is often learned and elevated; and it uses long words” (185). Exposure to english at home, through the media, and in the classroom, will provide the speaker with a set of words and phrases markedly formal or informal, though usually the latter. Informal language is less restrained, but not free of all the grammatical guidelines that formal language follows rigidly. Informal, or colloquial language “seldom uses the more formal connectives, such as nonetheless, whereas, and notwithstanding. It employs contractions: don't, shan't, it's, etc. ; it prefers the impersonal you to one or he ; it uses words like enthuse, exam, lab, prof, get (for kill), date, and hot dog (for wiener)” (Watkins, 187). Any discourse can include some, all, or no types of the words and phrases listed above, therefore language can be formal or informal to varying degrees. The speaker must determine what degree of formality is appropriate for whatever circumstance he or she is in. The setting of a particular discourse is as relevant to formality in language as is diction, and formal language focuses on professionalism. Watkins et al write: “Ranging toward the extreme of formality is the language of committee reports, official documents, instructions, most textbooks and college themes, scholarly and scientific writing, and some other kinds of serious nonfictional prose” (Watkins, 184). Writing intended for the professional uses mentioned above is expected to be formal and free from errors. It aims for clarity as well as for projecting a degree of expertise on a given subject. Chris Rees writes primarily of spoken formal english, and proposes: “The reason for using formal english is to make an impression or to show respect” (). Assuming this is true one might argue that the speaker of formal english aims for precision and clarity as well. However, the focus of formal english in conversation is for acceptance by an established individual, as well as possible advancement within the ranks of said group if it is in any way hierarchical. Acceptance within a group might also motivate one to use informal english. Chris Rees writes: “Informal language, on the other hand tends to be used in conversation with friends. It is idiomatic and is often full of slang (5). It can sometimes be used to indicate membership in a certain group. Informal language can also be intimate language such as english used between lovers or, interestingly, twins” (). Informal language is imperative when one seeks to establish rapport and that the circumstances make it appropriate to do so. When speaking informally one demonstrates acceptance of another person. But the act of speaking informally may be construed as a request of acceptance as well. It is important to note that informal english possesses the more dialectical variation than formal english. This is to say that while formal english is widely understood in the many english-speaking parts of the world, the informal english of one place may not be easily understood by english speakers from another place, and even people from the same place may have very different ways of speaking informally. Works Cited Rees, Chris. "TESOL Articles |Difference Between Formal and Non Formal Language." TESOL Courses | ITTT. International TEFL and TESOL Training. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. . Watkins, Floyd C., William B. Dillingham, and Edwin Thomas Martin. "Formal and Informal Language." Practical english Handbook. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1978. 184-88. Print.