Colloquial language

Question 1

what is colloquial language

Answer 1

forms of relaxed language that are used in specific regions with their own grammar style, conversational style, dialects and language

Question 2

what types of colloquial language are there?

Answer 2

• connected speech processes
• idiomatic expressions
• contractions
• abbreviation
• informal syntax or grammar
• ellipses
• regionally specific language
• shortening of names

Question 3

what is connected speech processes

Answer 3

connecting sounds together when we speak naturally so they’re easier to say
- assimilation (one sound sound similar to another)
- vowel reduction (vowel sounds change and quality is reduced)
- elision (speaker drops a sound, normally an unstressed sound)
- insertion (adding a sound that’s not normally there)

Question 4

what is an idiomatic expression

Answer 4

words, phrases or expressions with figurative meanings that aren’t understandable by every culture
e.g. “chuck a sickie” (call in sick)

Question 5

what is a contraction

Answer 5

removing letters and replacing them with an apostrophe.
e.g. “we aren’t going out” (aren’t instead of are not)

Question 6

what is abbreviation

Answer 6

shortened version of a word creating by initials or symbols
- BTW
- info

Question 7

what is informal syntax or grammar

Answer 7

syntactic or grammatical features that reduce formality of a text.
Sentence fragments, informal linking of adverbs and conjunctions, discourse markers, double negatives, verbal and informal pronouns

Question 8

what is ellipsis

Answer 8

omission of words or phrases when there is shared knowledge and context between interlocutors, this can be for efficiency
“you going too?” (instead of “you are going too?”)

Question 9

what is regionally specific language

Answer 9

informal words or phrases specific to certain regions or countries that arise from local culture, historical or social influencers and can offer insights to the characteristics of people and the area they live in
e.g. “thongs”

Question 10

why are names shortened?

Answer 10

to show affection, causualness, or quicker to say someone’s name

Question 11

what is hypocoristic suffixation

Answer 11

process of adding a suffix (often ie or o) to the end of a word to create a diminutive, affectionate or familiar form
e.g. “arvo”, “sparkie”