Communication, whether verbal or written, is an important tool in any affiliation. The relationship existing between people, dictates the conversations they have; for example, two friends are likely to have a casual conversation, while an employer and an employee are most likely to have a formal conversation. Formal conversations are deemed serious since they do not give a room for jokes. Casual conversations, in contrast, create a friendly environment in which jokes and colloquial language are applicable. When narrowed down to an industry, the conversations held by those involved differ according to their relationships. A blogger, for example, may use casual language to relate to their audience, while a journalist may be obliged to use formal language to do their reports. A comparison between the language used in blogging and formal journalism is necessary to establish the underlying differences.
Bloggers often use casual language in writing, to establish friendly interactions with their readers. Another reason for the use of casual conversations in writing is to keep their material interesting to a reader to enhance interactions; bloggers want a reader to become interested as though they are interacting on a personal level (Djajalie 4). The use of such words and expressions as ‘here is why’ and ‘like I do’ characterize the casual language used in blogging. Formal journalism, on the other hand, uses formal language because of the sensitivity of the matters involved. Journalists do not use slang in their reporting; they understand that they communicate to a wider audience than other media such as blogs (Harcup 213). Journalism is intended to report to an audience, without necessarily interacting with them. The language used, therefore, is straightforward and professional.
The language used during interactions by both journalists and bloggers differs. Most blogging sites have a section, where readers interact with each other through discussions and queries. A blogger, when interacting with their reader, uses casual language to make the conversation interesting. They may use phrases to flatter or thank their readers for comments. A blogger might also tease them about their comments casually, or ask them questions. Formal journalism, in contrast, follows a strict conversation rule; for example, when a journalist interviews an individual, they follow a set of questions set for them. They do not have room for prying into the individual since they cannot deviate from the questions (Harcup 214). A journalist relating with their colleague in public, also has to use a formal language because of the information they relay to their audience.
The opinions expressed in blogging and formal journalism, originate from different sources. This affects the forms of conversations expressed in both. Most opinions in a blog represent the blogger’s ideas. The blogger, therefore, chooses the conversation in which to express them, to pass information to their reader. The blogger might chose to use imagery, as a form of casual language, to facilitate a clear understanding of the information relayed. A formal journalist, however, has no obligation to express their notions casually, as this may affect the public’s perception of the information relayed by the media (Thornbury and Diana 46). A variety of information conveyed by journalists represents the ideas of their employers; thus, they have to follow formalities, considering that the media affect the perspectives of the public, children involved.
A possible reason why the forms of conversations held by formal journalists and bloggers differs, is the type of audience of each. Formal journalism bears a significant audience, compared to blogs. This is because a majority of people relies on media, both print and online for a variety of information. Blogs, in contrast, pass specified information, hence insignificant audiences. This is because an individual has to search for a blogging site to access it, as opposed to the media. The media are omnipresent; it is online, in print, and on social sites. Formal journalists, therefore, face an obligation to mind the conversations they have with their audience (Harcup 214). Bloggers use casual language that their readers comprehend; entertainment blogs, for example, may use casual language used in the entertainment scene, and that which few people understand.
The level of anonymity in both formal journalism and blogging differs; bloggers experience higher anonymity compared to formal journalists. Formal journalism requires employees to identify themselves when covering stories on various issues. A blogger, however, has a choice to remain anonymous or reveal their identity (Djajalie 6). Bloggers, therefore, are allowed to use casual language in conversations because there are not liable for it. Journalists, in contrast, have to control the casualness and uphold formality because they are accountable for the information they pass to the public (Thornbury and Diana 40). The public must view journalists as professionals who adhere to formality.
Casual conversations characterize friendly environments in which people are free with each other. Formal conversations, on the other hand, are those that represent the difference in class among those involved such as an employer and their employee. The conversations held in formal journalism and blogs are different; formal journalism employs formal conversations in discussions and reporting while blogs use a casual language that appeals to their readers. Factors such as ideas expressed, and the level of anonymity for both occupations affect the choice for the form of conversations they use.
Works Cited
Djajalie, Klaudia. Citizen Journalist: A Case Study on Using Blogs for Self-Promotion. Canada: Solstice Publishing, 2010. Print.
Harcup, Tony. Journalism: Principles and Practice. London: Sage Publications, 2004. Print. 213
Thornbury, Scott, and Diana Slade. Conversation: From Description to Pedagogy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006. Print. 40
