Appropriate

Language
By: Shawni Keltner

Hi everyone! I am going to be giving a lesson on the use of appropriate language

based on your audience or the conventions of the genre you are asked to write about.
 Jargon!
Steer clear of the

In layman's terms the word Jargon means “word fluff.” Often times when writing or
speaking we as the speaker find ourselves using really “large” words in order to
impress our readers or audience, but that is just not always necessary. Sometimes it
can be necessary or often more efficient depending on your intended audience. An
example would be using the words “prior to” instead of just saying “before.”
 on’t
a ll k n o w y o u’re smart! D
We
over do it.

Try not to be too wordy in your writing Stay away from the flowery words and phrases.
Often times attempting to use pretentious language can change the writer’s meaning.
Sometimes even the simplest of words can be best used to express your thoughts
and ideas. For example using the word “subsequent” instead of the word “after” would
in fact be pretentious!
 Know when a eu
phemism
is necessary.

Euphemisms are tricky when writing. Often times they can be of great use, and other
times they can be considered deceitful. A good time to use a euphemism is when you
know that a straightforward answer may be impolite. For example it is often impolite to
share that someone has been fired or laid off, so instead the euphemism “downsizing”
would be the polite way to explain the situation. Other times it is important to use
language that is to the point such as calling chemical dependency what it truly is,
“drug addiction.” Although that may be considered harsh to say, many things need not
to be danced around or downplayed in order to prevent any confusion.
 into this!
Don’t bring slang

Never use slang when writing or speaking. Slang is often not understood by mass
audiences and many slang words have alternative meanings. Unless you are certain
you will connect with your specific audience on a deeper level with the use of popular
slang terms, just don’t! Slang can be considered a code that not everyone
understands, it is informal,and usually directed towards teenagers.
 e!
Check your ton

In writing you must decide the level of formality required based on knowing your
audience. Take for example emailing your professor. You most certainly would not
choose an email greeting of “Hey, what’s good?” Doing so would be inappropriate and
disrespectful. This specific recipient deserves a greeting along the lines of “Hello
Professor…” By knowing who the intended recipient of the message is you will
choose to create a formal and respectful greeting. Unless you know your audience
would not take offense to informal writing, it is best to choose the formal route!
 Never be sexist or
offensive to grou
ps
of people.
(Or to anyone for
that matter)

Sexist language is very commonly used nowadays. It is often ignored or overlooked,

chalked-up as “normal” speech. Although in day to day conversations it may seem
okay to call a woman a “chick,” it is never acceptable in formal writing and speech. To
be quite honest, majority of the female population would find this term very offensive.
So, it is best to use appropriate terminology when speaking or writing about any
gender. This can also be said about race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual preference. It
is polite to use gender neutral terms when speaking and writing. It is also imperative
we respect every person with the use of stereotypical-free terminology.