Why is it important to assess and understand one’s changing language situations?
An often overlooked issue in Linguistics is the change in language style between different situations. If I wanted thank a friend in a text message I would text “thx ttys”, where as if I wanted to thank someone formally a well written note would be much more appropriate. ”Dear Mr. Jones…Thank you so much…”
We definitely talk to our siblings, lovers, friends, co-workers or family in different ways. I would definitely not yell “sup homie”, or “whats up playa” to my Grandfather. “Give me some skin” and “holla at ya boy” are yet even more examples of a change in language to meet the situation that you are in at any given moment.
I am definitely guilty of changing my tone of voice when speaking to a woman that I like. Close friends of mine will know just by hearing a few words that I am interested in whoever is on the other end of the line. I also have a tendency to be very soft spoken, where as when I’m speaking in public, or hosting a conference call, my voice is very loud and clear.
