Konventionsskillnaden

Konventionsskillnaden, also known as the Convention Difference, is a concept in linguistics that refers to the differences in language use between formal and informal contexts. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in languages that have a distinction between formal and informal registers, such as Swedish and German. The term was popularized by the Swedish linguist Göran Kjellmer.

In formal contexts, such as business meetings or academic presentations, speakers tend to use a more standardized and polite language. This often involves the use of formal pronouns (e.g., "du" instead of "du" in Swedish), a more formal vocabulary, and a more structured sentence construction. The goal is to maintain a respectful and professional distance between the speaker and the listener.

In contrast, informal contexts, such as casual conversations with friends or family, allow for a more relaxed and personal language use. This may involve the use of informal pronouns, a more colloquial vocabulary, and a more flexible sentence structure. The aim is to create a sense of intimacy and familiarity between the speaker and the listener.

The Convention Difference is not just about the choice of words, but also about the way language is used to establish and maintain social relationships. It is a reflection of the speaker's awareness of the social context and their role within it. Understanding the Convention Difference is crucial for effective communication in multilingual societies, as it allows speakers to adapt their language use to different contexts and audiences.