There are many differences between spoken and written English. Speaking as we write would make us sound stuffy and formal while writing as we speak can make us sound uneducated. Standard Written English is the version of English that conforms to the formal rules for usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. While some variations exist, most educated people agree on what Standard Written English is. Even though authors typically know the rules, they may choose to depart from conventions for certain audiences and purposes. For example, when texting a friend, you will likely use language that is personal and casual and that breaks the rules of Standard Written English.

When authors or others break the rules of Standard Written English, what are the penalties? Sometimes, breaking the rules means that your message is lost and your reader does not understand you. Other times, the reader may fully understand the message and not even notice the irregularities. In many cases, authors intentionally break the rules to reflect characters' dialects and language customs in a region. In addition, writers break writing conventions to create emphasis or make a point.

Let’s look at an example of how unconventional language can be used as a stylistic choice. Below is a video of Tex Avery’s Symphony in Slang. As you watch the video, think about the language choices made by the screenwriter.

In this short cartoon, the saints are unable to understand what the young man is saying because they don’t understand his slang. When breaking the rules of Standard Written English, an author risks misunderstanding of the intended message. But what does the writer hope to gain? What are the benefits of breaking language conventions?

Throughout this module, you have examined how writers use variations in language to enhance their writing and communicate their message. Think about why an author would include idioms, like those in the video, or another type of figurative language. What does using language in a nonstandard way add to the writing?

In this lesson, you are going to look at how an author deviates from standard English conventions in order to enhance their writing. You will then write your own poem or short story in which you break standard English conventions as part of your craft and as a tool to help improve your writing and message.