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Standard English is a variety of English that is clear and most easily understood by a wide audience. It isn’t the only or ‘correct’ form of English; there are regional dialect words and generational differences too. However, Standard English is ideal, and the norm, for formal occasions or where the audience is large or unknown. If everyone speaks in a standardised variety of English, we are more likely to understand each other.

Colloquial language

Colloquial language is the way we all speak when in informal situations, say with our friends or family. It includes words and phrases that are particular to your age group and the area where you live as well as expressions that are part of your own idiolect. This means colloquial language can include dialect words and slang. These non-standard English words and forms are easily understood by certain groups of people, but might be unfamiliar to other groups.

For example, think of the informal words you use to describe your running shoes. Perhaps you use one of the following:

• sneakers
• daps
• trainers
• runners

These are all examples of colloquial words, and many would call them slang.

In colloquial language it is also common to use contractions - shortened versions of phrases such as ‘gonna’ for ‘going to’, ‘innit’ for ‘isn’t it’ and ‘I ain’t’ for ‘I am not’. The grammar of spoken colloquial language is also different from written Standard English.

Here is an example of Catherine Tate’s comedy character Lauren Cooper using colloquial language to speak to her teacher. Notice how her language seems out of place.