In Germany, when two people have a conversation they use certain words to distinguish between a formal and informal conversation. In America, the only words to distinct formal or informal mainly lies in the use of Mr. and Ms./Mrs.. However, the typical formal English is found in books, speeches, and news reports. Whereas informal English is used in personal conversations where grammar rules can be used as "guidelines" rather than actual rules. German speakers will use "du" when talking to their family members, friends at school, and their neighbors. But, they will use "Sie" when speaking to people of a higher social status or person of import. For example, an elder, a president/ prime minister, teacher, boss, or even colleague. Unless the person gives permission for the other to use "du", "Sie" must be used when they are talking.
1) http://www.antimoon.com/how/formal-informal-english.htm
2) http://www.pimsleurapproach.com/resources/german/grammar-guides/formal-informal/
Those two sources are really great. In particular, the antimoon.com example about English was actually interesting.
ReplyDeleteI like your point of the written form of English being more proper and respectful than the spoken.
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