Overview
This lecture explains how speech styles change depending on context, the people involved, and the level of formality required in communication.
Context and Speech Styles
- Speech style depends on the situation and who you are talking to.
- Humans adjust speech to fit the level of formality appropriate for different contexts.
- Speech can be formal (less personal) or informal (casual and spontaneous).
Martin Joos’s Five Speech Styles
- Martin Joos, a linguist, classified speech styles into five types: intimate, casual, consultative, formal, and frozen.
Intimate Style
- Used in private conversations between people with close relationships.
- Grammar is less important; personal codes and endearments (e.g., "honey," "love") are common.
Casual Style
- Used among friends or peers in informal settings.
- Slang, jargon, vernacular, and incomplete sentences are acceptable.
Consultative Style
- Keyword: Standard; uses mutually accepted language for everyday, semi-formal interactions.
- Appropriate for most daily transactions.
Formal Style
- Features rigid structure and well-documented vocabulary.
- Used for professional or academic purposes and is usually one-way (e.g., speeches).
Frozen Style
- Speech is fixed and does not change (e.g., religious prayers).
- Delivery and wording remain the same over time.
Classifying Speech Styles
- Classification depends on formality and the status or relationship between communicators.
- Speech style may shift from less formal to more formal based on context and closeness.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Speech style — manner of speaking determined by context, audience, and formality.
- Formality — the degree of adherence to conventional or accepted standards in language.
- Intimate style — private, personal communication between close individuals.
- Casual style — relaxed, informal speech among friends or equals.
- Consultative style — standard, semi-formal speech for everyday transactions.
- Formal style — structured, formal language for professional or academic settings.
- Frozen style — unchanging, set speech, typically used in ceremonies or rituals.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of each speech style in various contexts.
- Reflect on which style is appropriate for different communication scenarios.