Purposes of Informal Language

Question 1

What are the 3 main purposes and intents of informal language

Answer 1

To build intimacy, solidarity and equality

Question 2

What is intimacy

Answer 2

The sense of closeness, familiarity and personal connection

Question 3

How is intimacy built

Answer 3

Use of personal pronouns ‘you’, ‘I’

Colloquialisms/Slang to establish familiarity and shared understanding

Question 4

What is solidarity

Answer 4

Having a shared purpose and a sense of unity

Question 5

How is solidarity established

Answer 5

Use of first person plural pronouns ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’ reinforces shared identity and places writer within the group they are addressing

Question 6

What is equality

Answer 6

The notion that all participants in a communication exchange are perceived and treated as equals, irrespective of their social status, role or power

Question 7

How is equality demonstrated

Answer 7

Colloquialisms and slang present a speakers genuine and ‘down to earth’ identity, creating a relaxed atmosphere

Inclusive pronouns such as ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’ places the writer within the group they are addressing and emphasises a shared identity

Interrogatives indicate the writer values the listener’s opinions as much as their own