LANGUAGE AND TONE

LANGUAGE AND TONELanguage refers to the words a writer uses.

Tone is the way the writer uses those words to convey a certain attitude or feeling to the reader.

LANGUAGE AND TONELanguage (what is said) and tone

(how it is said) are determined by the author’s purpose and the intended audience. For example, the way you ask

someone for a favor is very different from the way you tell someone to leave you alone.

LANGUAGE AND TONEAlso, the language and tone you

use with your friends at the lunch table probably would not be appropriate in the principal’s office.

To see how language and tone can differ in respect to the audience, read and compare the letters that follow.

May 17, 2007

Purrfect Pets621 Peachtree TerraceAtlanta, Georgia

Dear Sir:Because of my great love for animals, I am very interested in working at Purrfect Pets. I visit your store frequently as I purchase food and supplies to care for my several cats and dogs. I am always impressed by the cleanliness of your store and the care you show the animals.

This summer I will be available to work full-time. Once school begins in the fall, I will need to reduce my hours to part-time, but I will still be available to work on nights and weekends.

Please find enclosed my application and a list of references. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,Katie Jones

Dear Jack,What’s up?! I’m really psyched about workin’ at

the CD Emporium with you this summer. I mean I don’t have the job yet, but why wouldn’t they hire me? By the way, can you stop by the CDE on your way to school tomorrow and pick up a job application for me? Thanks! You’re the best!

Does your sister sill want to wok at that stupid pet store? That would gross me out! Cleaning out all those cages with all the animal stuff in it. No thanks! Give me some cellophane-wrapped CDs any day. Catch you later. Thanks again.T.J.

SIMILARITIESBoth writers are seeking jobs for

the summer.Both writers want to work where

they will enjoy what they will be doing.

DIFFERENCES The authors share a similar purpose, but

their audiences are different.

Sally T.J.

Audience: Pet shop owner

Audience: Friend

Purpose: asking for a job

Purpose: asking for a favor

Form: Business letter (formal)

Form: E-mail (informal)

Avoids dialect and slang Uses slang terms and abbreviations that Jack will understand easily

Tone is formal and respectful

Tone is playful and informal

DIFFERENT TYPES OF LANGUAGE Colloquial English refers to words that are

appropriate in dialogue and informal writing but inappropriate in formal writing. Examples: contractions, short words, and cliches

Y’all; The apple never falls far from the tree.

Slang is very informal language that enjoys a brief popularity and then generally becomes obsolete. Examples: crib, dis, groovy, cool, my bad, word

TYPES OF LANGUAGE Non-Standard English contains grammar

and usage that do not follow the standard rules for English.

Standard American English is the English that is most widely accepted in the United States.

Which one should you use in formal writing?

EXAMPLES OF NON-STAND AND STANDARD ENGLISHNon-Standard Standard

I’m doin’ pretty good. I am well.

You and me talks all the time. You and I talk all the time.

I ain’t got no money. I do not have any money.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF TONEAngry Stiff Dramatic Optimistic Sad

anxious relaxed fearful pessimistic tragic

rude hysterical happy formal humorous

calm hopeful arrogant informal serious

sarcastic

EXAMPLES OF INFORMAL AND FORMAL TONEInformal FormalI’m so psyched! I am very happy.

Ain’t no way I’m gonna work for you.

I regret to say that I must decline your offer of employment.

How much are you gonna sell that car for?

I wanted to inquire about the car for sale.

GUIDED PRACTICEUsing the terms you have just learned, describe the language and tone you would use in writing to each of the following audiences.

1. School principal 2. Other students3. Good friend4. Editor of the local newspaper5. Manager at work