Register & Tone
Sociolinguistic competence is knowing how to say things based on who you are talking to.
Formal Register work
Casual Register directions_run
Hedging shield
Do not mix formal vocabulary with casual slang!
Listen Closely hearing
Mission my_location
Mission my_location
Mission my_location
Context is Everything
Sociolinguistics in Action: Watch how the speakers change their vocabulary, grammar, and even the tone of their voice depending on who walks into the room.
Ask a Question person_raised_hand
Advanced Q&A
Not at all, Bopha! Slang is just a highly informal register. It shows fluency and cultural connection when used with friends. However, using it in an academic essay or a job interview shows a lack of sociolinguistic competence. It is about knowing when to use it! workdirections_run
How do I know if I am being too formal in an email to a colleague?
Look at how they write to you! Mirroring (copying their style) is a great strategy. If they use "Hi Vireak" and exclamation marks, you can be casual. If they use "Dear Mr. Vireak" and complex hedging, keep it formal! mail
Teacher, is slang always considered "bad English"?