Differences between formal language and informal language

Spanish is a rich and diverse language that has variety of linguistic registers. 

Among the most common records are the formal and informal language. 

Understand the differences between these two communication styles is essential to master Spanish in different contexts, whether in academic, professional or everyday fields.

Formal and informal greetings and farewells in Spanish are good examples of language in which we can use both registers.

Here you have formal and informal communication with example:

• "Hello, how are you?"
• "Hey man, what's up?"

Could you tell us which is formal and which is informal?

Of course you know it; the second is the most informal, and it would be appropriate, for example, to talk to a friend who is very close to us.

In this article we will explore the top 10 differences between formal and informal communication in spanish, with the purpose of helping you use them correctly.

We will begin by analyzing the importance of context to know which register to use.

Then we will see the 10 differences with examples and we will end with a exercise to practice.

Sounds very interesting, right? Well let's start!

How do you know what type of language to use?

This is the big question: When to use formal and informal registration?

We will know this thanks to the context.

The context of communication

In formal and informal communication, the context is the key which will determine which registry is most appropriate.

The choice between formal and informal language depends largely on who you talk to, where and in what situation.

In what contexts is it used? formal language? We list the most common ones:

• Academic field: Formal texts and academic manuals usually have very formal language.
• Professional field: In the world of work, formal registration is preferable, especially when we still do not have trust with the company.
• With unknown and older people.
• Hierarchical superiors.
• authority figures.

Formal language is characterized by the use of more complex grammatical structures, one more vocabulary sophisticated and greater attention to grammatical and spelling correctness.

Instead, the informal language It is used in more everyday and familiar situations, such as in conversations with friends, family or colleagues of the same hierarchy. 

It is characterized by being more relaxed, close and colloquial.

In informal language, you can find contractions, idiomatic expressions and a friendlier tone.

And in the schools and universities? Should formal language be used?

In the past, yes, but the truth is that nowadays the relationship between teachers and students is usually closer, although everything depends on the teacher.

In Hispania, Spanish school, we try to create a happy and pleasant atmosphere, so our teachers will talk to you with closeness and familiarity, just as we do on this blog.

If you want to learn and improve your Spanish, we offer face-to-face Spanish courses and online Spanish courses They will surely help you achieve your goals.

Check them out! 😉

10 differences between formal language and informal language in Spanish

Now, yes, we are going to present the 10 differences between formal language and colloquial language and examples so you know how to use them.

Formal or informal? Let's see their differences!

The level of respect, seriousness and closeness between the interlocutors

What is formal language if it does not display seriousness, respect or distance between the interlocutors? 

These values ​​are very important if we want to be formal.

For example, in a job interview, an academic conference, a formal letter, etc.

Later we will see formal register sentences with practical examples.

Informal registration is common in situations of greater trust, familiarity or closeness between the interlocutors. 

An example of informal language would be a conversation with friends, a text message to an acquaintance, or a comment on social media.

The use of grammar and spelling rules

The formal registration Follow grammar and spelling rules of the language to the letter, especially in a formal written text. 

For example: 

• "Dear Mr. Pérez, I am writing to inform you that your application has been accepted." 

On the contrary, colloquial language does not always respect grammar and spelling rulesof the language. 

This is very common for some people when they chat quickly and ignore accent marks and other spelling rules.

For example: 

• «Hello, how are you? "I have great news."

The vocabulary used

The formal style uses a extensive vocabulary, precise and varied. 

For example: 

• "The objective of this study is to analyze the socioeconomic implications of migration in the Latin American context."

Informal language has a more limited vocabulary, colloquial and not very specialized. 

For example:

• "The truth is that I am very sorry for what is happening to people who leave their country."

The type of sentences

Formal communication uses long and complex sentences, with coordinated and subordinate structures. 

For example: 

• "Although the health situation has improved in recent months, the authorities recommend maintaining prevention measures to avoid new infections".

However, the informal registry uses short and simple sentences, with more direct and simple structures. 

For example: 

• "Hopefully all this will be over soon and we can go out without fear."

Fillers, idioms, vulgarisms and rudeness 

The formal language avoid fillers, idioms, vulgarisms and rudeness.

That is, he does not repeat words like "ok" or use idiomatic expressions, much less resort to insults. 

The formal language You must be very polite and correct.

For example: 

• "I apologize for the inconvenience caused."  

On the other hand, informal language yes that repeats many crutches, use idioms and often bad words.

For example: 

• «Wow, I screwed up, man. Oh shit!

The way to address the receiver

In the formal languages, the most polite thing is to address the recipient in the form of "you" or with formulas courtesy.

For example:

• "Could you tell me how to get to the station?" 

In the informal way, the usual thing is to address the recipient with treatment of "you."

 For example: 

• "Do you know where the train is?"

Synonyms and pronouns

We have said before that formal languages try not to repeat words.

And how do you achieve it?

It does this through synonyms and pronouns.

For example:

• «Environmental pollution is a serious problem that affects human health and ecological balance. "We must stop it immediately." 

However, in informal communication, simpler words, which could be used in many contexts, and has no problem repeating the same terms.

For example:

• «Pollution is very bad and harms people and the environment. Pollution is a big problem.

Pronunciation and intonation

This is something that must be heard to understand it well. But basically it is that the pronunciation and intonation in the formal registry must be correct.

That is, you should not speak quickly or with your mouth half closed. You should talk to clarity, vocalizing and intoning well the questions so that the message is perfectly understood.

However, in informal language we can relax more and not be so clear in speech. When talking to friends or family, they already know us and our message does not need to be so clear.

The way of presenting information

As we have said before, in the formal registration it is very important that the message is well understood. 

The discursive connectors are very useful for this purpose, presenting the information in a way orderly, clear and coherent. 

Let's see examples of this cultured level:

• «First of all, let's define the key concepts; Secondly, we are going to review the historical background; and thirdly, we are going to present our hypothesis. 

On the other hand, informal language is not so concerned with structuring its speech, but can present the information in a somewhat messy and chaotic.

For example:

•  «I have to tell you a very strong thing that happened to me. You're going to freak out. How's everything going for you?

Emoticons and abbreviations

In formal language, as expected, emoticons are not used far from it abbreviations, since it contradicts the spelling rules.

Let's see cases of this formal language with examples:

• «Thank you very much for your attention. I await your response."

However, informal language yes he uses themoften, especially when we write some informal text via chat or social networks.

•  «Thank you for everything. Tkm 🤗».
  

Oral and written communication

Is formal and informal language used in Spanish equally, both orally and in writing?

Well the truth is that yes.

In the oral communication, formal language is used in formal speeches, academic presentations, or in business situations. 

In contrast, we have already seen that informal oral language is used in everyday conversations between friends, family or close colleagues. 

In the written communication, formal language is used in academic texts or manuals, professional reports or physical letters.

On the other hand, informal written language is found in text messages, informal emails or on social networks. 

Activities to practice

It's time to practice a little with a activity.

It's very simple. We present 5 sentences that say the same thing but in two ways: in formal and colloquial language.

You simply have to put together those that express the same idea.

Have you seen how easy?

We hope this article has helped you understand when should you use the formal and colloquial language and what are the characteristics that make it up.

Do the same features exist in your language or are they used differently?

As we always say: leave a comment, we would love to know your opinion!

Have a nice day! 😊

Article written byCarlos Martinez for Hispania, Spanish school. 

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