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TOPIC 1: Formality of Language in Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning/Working Environment

Site: MUPIC - Moodle
Course: MUPIC COURSE
Book: TOPIC 1: Formality of Language in Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning/Working Environment
Printed by: Guest user
Date: Friday, 4 April 2025, 7:29 PM

Table of contents

1. Introduction

The aim of this topic is toword cloud
  • recognise different levels of formality in English language,
  • use the proper means of communication,
  • provide language support for the team and project communication.
Content of this topic:
  • Definition(s) of formality in language.
  • Levels of formality, their characteristic features, and practical implications.
  • Why formality in diverse workplace matters.
  • Define synchronous and asynchronous working/learning environment. Formulate advantages and disadvantages of each.

2. Activities - Levels of Formality

All activities are reflected in the individual learning diary! 

Before Check Point 1

  • Read the definitions and articles on formality of language

  • Listen to two public appearances of President Obama. Compare them and watch for typical signs of formal and informal ways of expression. Write down at least three manifestations of each.
  • Think about the concepts listed in the articles and how it can be helpful to you in your work and life.
  • Read the Politeness Theory article and think about the relationship between politeness and formality. Reflect the importance of politeness and formality in your team/teacher/company communication during the course.

Definitions of formality by leading English language dictionaries:

Merriam-Webster

1: compliance with formal or conventional rules (CEREMONY)

2: the quality or state of being formal

3: an established form or procedure that is required or conventional (the interview was just a formality)

 

Oxford Learner’s Dictionary

1: a thing that you must do as a formal or official part of a legal process, a social situation, etc. (Let's skip the formalities and get down to business.)

2: a thing that you must do as part of an official process, but which has little meaning and will not affect what happens  (He already knows he has the job so the interview is a mere formality.)

3: correct and formal behavior (Different levels of formality are appropriate in different situations.  She greeted him with stiff formality.)

 

COLLINS English Dictionary

1: a requirement of rule, custom, etiquette

2: the condition or quality of being formal or conventional

3: strict or excessive observance of form, ceremony

4: an established, proper, or conventional method, act, or procedure


Formality in language - Cambridge English

Everybody makes at least an intuitive distinction between formal and informal manners of expression. A prototype of formal language might be the sentence read out by a judge at the end of a trial. Prototypical informal speech would be produced in a relaxed conversation among close friends or family members. But a clear and general definition of "formality" is not obvious.

Formality in writing refers to how well you follow standard English conventions, how often you use slang or idioms, how objective you are about your topic, and how familiar or intimate you assume you are with readers.

A formal style is characterized by detachment and accuracy.  Formal language is less personal than informal language. It is used when writing for professional or academic purposes like university assignments. Formal language does not use colloquialisms, contractions or first person pronouns such as ‘I’ or ‘We’.

An informal style is more flexible, direct, and implicit, but less informative. Informal language is more casual and spontaneous. It is used when communicating with friends or family either in writing or in conversation. It is used when writing personal emails and text messages. The tone of informal language is more personal than formal language.

                                                                                  (Cambridge English)

Levels of formality

https://elt.oup.com/elt/students/result/pdf/brupp_formality.pdf

http://blog.writersdomain.net/should-you-say-that-4-levels-of-formality-in-writing/

https://www.altalang.com/beyond-words/how-did-that-register-five-levels-of-formality-in-language/

Formality Has a Place in the Diverse Workplace, Sondra Thiederman, Monster Contributing Writer


Compare two public appearances of President Obama and watch for typical signs of formal and informal ways of expression. Write down at least three manifestations of each.   

President Obama Appears on ‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’  

and President Obama Addresses the British Parliament  

 

Read the Politeness Theory article and think about the relationship between politeness and formality. Which of the concepts listed in the article can be helpful to you in your work and life?

Politeness Theory  https://www.universalclass.com/articles/business/communication-studies/politeness-theory.htm


Before Check Point 2
  • Think about your own communicative styles in terms of formality and the influence of communicative styles on reaching the common goals.
Before Check Point 3
  • Reflect on any communication problems you have had during the course.


2.1. Activities - Synchronous and asynchronous working environment

All activities are reflected in the individual learning diary! 

Before Check Point 1
  • Formulate and discuss advantages and disadvantages of synchronous and asynchronous working/learning environment. Which one is more suitable for you and why? Is one of the environments more formal and why?
  • Reflect on the level of formality of synchronous and asynchronous working/learning environment.
Before Check Point 2
  • Think about how the synchonous/asynchronous environment changes your communicative style. 
Before Check Point 3
  • Reflect on any communication problems you have had during the course.

 


2.2. Activities - Emails

All activities are reflected in the individual learning diary!
Before Check Point 1
  • Study information on the levels of formality in email writing.

 

Suggested guidelines for students when emailing tutors:

1.   Use a clear and accurate heading in the title of your message

2.   Include a greeting (address your tutor by name as requested by your tutor)

3.   Explain your request clearly and politely

4.   Include a closing phrase

5.   Do not use capitals, emoticons or text abbreviations

6.   Read all emails carefully before sending

7.   Spellcheck emails before sending (especially your tutor’s name)

8.   Make sure you have attached the (correct) file that you want to send

Before Check Point 3
  • Reflect on any communication problems you have had during the course.
More tips on writing formal emails:

2.3. Activities - Meeting Minutes/Notes

All activities are reflected in the individual learning diary! 

Before Check Point 1
Before Check Point 2
  • Reflect on the style and level of formality of running a meeting and writing meeting minutes/notes in your team.
Before Check Point 3
  • Reflect on any communication problems you have had during the course.

2.4. Activities - Conference calls

All activities are reflected in the individual learning diary! 

Before Check Point 1
Before Check Point 2
  • Reflect on the communication style during your team conference calls.

Before Check Point 3
  • Reflect on any communication problems you have had during the course.