Overview
This lecture covers the different communicative or speech styles in English, focusing on their characteristics and when to use each type appropriately.
Communicative Styles Overview
- Communicative or speech style refers to the degree of formality used in language for various situations.
- The main types of speech styles are: casual, consultative, formal, frozen, and intimate.
Casual Style
- Informal language used by friends or peers, often with slang, group language, and nicknames.
- Examples: conversations with friends, personal messages, blogs, tweets, informal emails, and phone calls.
Consultative Style
- Semi-formal, spontaneous communication involving two-way participation, typically with shorter sentences.
- Used with strangers or non-acquaintances.
- Examples: classroom discussions, doctor-patient, lawyer-client, group discussions, and teacher-student interactions.
Formal Style
- Structured, impersonal, and avoids slang; sentences are often planned and complex.
- Used for large groups or official contexts.
- Examples: meetings, formal speeches, school lessons, corporate meetings, interviews, scholarly writing, and technical reports.
Frozen Style
- Fixed, unchanging language used in very formal or ceremonial settings; characterized by rigid grammar and vocabulary.
- Examples: national anthem, Holy Mass, religious rituals, Pledge of Allegiance, Constitution, The Lord's Prayer, oaths, and creeds.
Intimate Style
- Informal, private, and used between people with close relationships; no social boundaries among speakers.
- Examples: sharing secrets between friends, family discussions, and private conversations.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Communicative/Speech Style — The manner of conversation characterized by different levels of formality.
- Casual Style — Informal language for friends, using slang and group jargon.
- Consultative Style — Semi-formal, spontaneous two-way participation, often with strangers or professionals.
- Formal Style — Highly structured, planned, and impersonal speech for official contexts.
- Frozen Style — Language that remains unchanged over time, used in ceremonies and formal rituals.
- Intimate Style — Personal and informal, used between close individuals.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and identify examples of each communicative style in real-life scenarios.
- Prepare for a quiz on recognizing speech styles using images or situations.