1. Audience:
* Who are you communicating with? Their age, background, education level, and relationship to you will influence your language choices.
* Formal vs. Informal: Use formal language for professional settings or when addressing superiors, and informal language for casual settings or with close friends.
2. Purpose:
* What is the goal of your communication? Are you trying to inform, persuade, entertain, or simply build rapport?
* Tone: Choose a tone that is appropriate for your purpose. For example, a serious tone is suitable for a presentation, while a lighthearted tone is appropriate for a casual conversation.
3. Setting:
* Where are you communicating? The physical location and the occasion can influence your language choices. For example, you would use different language in a courtroom than you would at a party.
* Formal vs. Informal: The setting can also dictate the level of formality required.
4. Subject Matter:
* What are you talking about? The topic of your communication will influence the vocabulary and technical terms you use.
* Jargon: Use technical terms only when they are appropriate for the audience and setting.
5. Cultural Norms:
* Consider the cultural context of your audience. Language conventions and politeness norms vary across cultures.
* Avoid slang, idioms, or expressions that may be unfamiliar or offensive to others.
Examples of Inappropriacy:
* Using slang or informal language in a formal presentation.
* Talking about personal matters in a professional setting.
* Using jargon with someone who is unfamiliar with the subject.
* Being disrespectful or offensive to someone's cultural background.
Consequences of Inappropriacy:
* Misunderstandings: Using language that is not appropriate for the context can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
* Offense: Using language that is disrespectful or offensive can damage relationships and hurt feelings.
* Loss of credibility: Using inappropriate language can make you seem unprofessional or untrustworthy.
Tips for Achieving Appropriacy:
* Consider your audience and their background.
* Be mindful of your purpose and tone.
* Pay attention to the setting and occasion.
* Use appropriate vocabulary and technical terms.
* Be respectful of cultural norms.
By understanding the concept of appropriacy, you can communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings, offense, and loss of credibility.