With America as an ongoing melting pot of the world, the various languages that develop here are also always evolving. There are many different languages. As a result of the various cultures and even various types of media, language are also evolving. English is exemplary for this evolution. Many different types of English have developed over time. Some of the most prominent forms that I use in my life are proper English, English for friends and family, and English for texting and social media. Each one is used for different interactions, to convey separate relationships and attachments. They each carry different meanings.
Proper English is one of the most important forms of communication used, not just by me, but also by everybody. Without it, peers and superiors would not take individuals seriously. One could not approach their boss, speaking to them as they would their friend if they wanted to discuss professional business. Such matters need to be approached with finesse and, obviously, professionalism. That is why proper English demands that a subordinate addresses a superior by formal titles, i.e. Mr., Miss, Mrs., and so forth. Proper English also calls for politeness. One must exercise using words such as “please,” “thank you,” and other variances in order to show civility when in a professional setting. Vernacular or colloquial speech, much like the patterns one would use with friends, are not welcome in a professional setting.
Circumstances involving friends are much more welcome than professional settings and therefore, more inviting for informal language. According to, “Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters,” we are more likely to be ourselves around those we regularly see . We are also more likely to be ourselves in relaxed situations. Previous formalities used in professional settings are not necessary when speaking with friends. Mr. and Mrs. are often replaced with first names. Sometimes nicknames are given, whether through private jokes or intimate encounters. I only have two close friends that I call by their birth-given first names; the rest of them are called by nicknames they have acquired through our group. Politeness may be encouraged in some situations while in others the lack of politeness can be a sign of closeness. A disregard for politeness is sometimes how my friends and I show a bond. Many times, I have expressed my gratitude toward friends by calling them a derogatory name, and they have done the same to me. It is as if we are siblings, and we do not need to say please or thank you because we understand one another’s needs. Some of these formalities may still need to be maintained with family and friends, however, depending upon the relationship. Vernacular is welcome in English used with friends, and even English used with family. Many circles of friends have inside jokes and develop a lingo specific only to them. Families also engage in this activity. I have developed a lingo in both my friend and family oriented English that I would never use in my professional life. This type of English would not only be unacceptable; it would be impossible for colleagues and superiors to understand.
While there is a certain amount of informality in speaking to friends and family to a certain extent, there is even more when English involves social media and texting. In many regards, texting and other forms of social media have caused people to shorten their language, trading in entire words for abbreviations and numbers . For instance, instead of typing “to,” one may type the numerical, “2.” This substitute works for any time the word, “to” appears, even as a prefix. “Tomorrow,” becomes, “2morrow,” while, “together, “becomes, “2gether,” and so on. For example, I often text, “C U 2morrow,” in place of, “See you tomorrow.” Entire phrases in English are also shortened to suit the speed texting, and social media provide. “Be right back,” has been shortened to, “BRB,” while, “LOL,” is meant to signify something is funny. The informality of this English I use would never be acceptable in a professional setting. Sometimes it is even misconstrued by friends and family because it evolves at such a rapid pace. I may text a new abbreviation to my mother, or even a friend, and they may not understand it because they have not seen it yet. Primarily, English associated with texting and social media is used for speed and accessibility. It is not used to appear professional. It is not always used to continue building friendly and familial relationships either. Sometimes a text or Facebook message is just the quickest way to convey that one will be home late, or that they need milk from the grocery store.
In sum, there are many different types of English, and they are all used to convey a different type of attitude, or relationship. Proper English lets the listener know the speaker can be taken seriously. The speaker needs to be polite and courteous, using proper titles while avoiding using vernacular to convey this message. Familial and friendly English is less formal. It often contains vernacular, or a lingo that is unique to the group. Politeness may be lessened, if not lacking entirely; this represents a sign of closeness most often. There are some cases when politeness is required, but it is not as often, nor to the extent as in a professional setting. Texting and social media English is the least formal of the three types of English I use. It has butchered the English language into a series of abbreviations and emoticons to convey meaning as swiftly as possibly. There is rarely professionalism in social media’s form of English. Though the small photos are called emoticons, true emotion is rarely present; texts often seem cold or emotionless, as do social media messages. They are used to get points across as quickly as possible, unlike professional business presentations or warm, friendly greetings that other form of English offer. While each is very different, they are all vital to the separate parts of my life I lead.
References
Wood, Julia. Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters. Chicago: Cengage Learning, 2012. Book.
