Listening: Understanding Natural Connected Speech B2 - Lesson 3: Recognizing Different Levels of Formality in Speech

B2 Natural Speech: Recognizing Different Levels of Formality

Welcome! In this lesson, we will explore formality¹. The words and grammar we use change depending on the situation and who we are talking to. Recognizing these changes is a key skill for advanced social understanding.

1. What is Formality?

Formality is about choosing the right style of language for the right situation. You would speak to a hotel manager in a more formal way than you would speak to your close friend.

• Formal Speech: Uses full sentences, polite vocabulary (e.g., "would it be possible..."), and avoids slang. It is common in business, academic, or official situations.
• Informal² Speech: Uses contractions (I'm, can't), slang, and sometimes simpler or shorter sentences. It is common with friends and family.

2. Making a Request

Let's compare two ways to ask for help. Listen to the difference in vocabulary and sentence structure.

Formal (e.g., to a hotel receptionist)

"I was wondering if you would be able to assist me?"

Informal (e.g., to a friend)

"Hey, can ya give me a hand?"

3. Expressing an Opinion

The way we share our ideas also changes. One is suitable for a business meeting, the other for a casual chat.

Formal (e.g., in a business meeting)

"In my professional opinion, the proposed strategy has several potential risks."

Informal (e.g., chatting with a friend)

"I dunno, I reckon⁴ it's a bit of a bad idea."

4. Agreeing and Disagreeing

Politeness strongly influences the language of agreement and disagreement.

Formal Disagreement:

"I understand your perspective; however, I have a slightly different view on this matter."

Informal Disagreement:

"Nah, I don't really think so."

Quiz: Formal or Informal?

Listen to the sentence. Is the speaker using formal or informal language?

1. Sentence 1: (Listen to the audio)

   Is this: (a) Formal     or     (b) Informal

2. Sentence 2: (Listen to the audio)

   Is this: (a) Formal     or     (b) Informal

3. Sentence 3: (Listen to the audio)

   Is this: (a) Formal     or     (b) Informal

Click to Show Answers

Answers: 1-a (uses polite, complex sentence structure). 2-b (uses slang like "What's up?" and reductions like "Wanna"). 3-a (uses formal vocabulary like "regret to inform you").

Homework Task

1. Formality in Movies: Watch a scene from a movie set in a formal environment (a courtroom, a royal palace, a business meeting). Listen to the formal language. Then, watch a scene with a group of young friends relaxing. Listen for the informal language, contractions, and slang³.

2. Practice Switching: With a friend, have a short conversation about a topic (e.g., your favorite food). First, have the conversation in a very informal way. Then, have the same conversation again, but pretend you are in a very formal business meeting with your boss.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Formality (noun) - Khmer: បែបបទ - The style of language, dress, and behavior used in serious, official, or important situations. ↩
2. Informal (adjective) - Khmer: មិនផ្លូវការ - Having a relaxed, friendly, or unofficial style; suitable for everyday life with friends and family. ↩
3. Slang (noun) - Khmer: ពាក្យ និងឃ្លាមិនផ្លូវការច្រើន ដែលជាទូទៅនៅក្នុងការនិយាយជាងការសរសេរ ដែលជារឿយៗត្រូវបានប្រើប្រាស់ដោយក្រុមមនុស្សជាក់លាក់មួយ - Very informal words and phrases that are more common in speech than in writing, often used by a particular group of people. ↩
4. To Reckon (verb) - Khmer: គិតថា - An informal way to say "to think" or "to believe." ↩