161: Should I use formal or informal language?

Chris asks: "Should I speak formally or informally in Turkish?" In this episode: Every language has it's convention as to when and where you should speak formally or informally I've found myself resisting speaking formally in other languages, and I've always been curious why that is What I've learnt is that my "default" is informal, because that's the way we speak English Once you understand the cultural significance of formal and informal speech in the language you're learning, it will make your decision much easier Japanese: Ultra polite: omeshi-agari ni narimasen ka Polite: meshi-agarimasen ka OR taberaremasen ka Normal: tabemasu ka Informal: taberu? Spanish: Tú is standard in most places for speaking to someone your age or below But in Colombia, Usted is used within the family, as a cultural mark of respect and affection French: "Je peux vous tutoyer?" The problem in your case may be that you're not using Turkish enough to develop a gut feel for what is appropriate... Once you're using the language regularly, you'll get it! Remember that speaking politely, but with a warm smile, can be extremely endearing and doesn't have to be stiff Watch TV and movies and pay attention just to that A good rule of thumb is to use the polite form But it never really matters... you get a free pass as a foreigner! Quote Of The Day: Be polite; write diplomatically; even in a declaration of war one observes the rules of politeness. -Otto von Bismarck Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online to connect with affordable and effective native speakers teachers and tutors. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, simply visit:http://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/italkishownotes Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here, and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Also, please subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could… Share the episode using the social media buttons around you Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that) iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!