Liz's Autobiographical Essay #5

I was surprised to see the different kinds of shifts I make on a daily basis with my oral and written language. As I paid attention to my habits I noticed the various “shifts” I make in the course of a few days. There are several switches which occur orally based on my surrounds and my writing “shifts” depend on the document to be written.
When I am in a classroom with my friends I address them with different words and script than I do when I contribute to a class discussion. When speaking with my friends I do not stop to consider what I am saying, I just let it fly with regards to the topic. If speaking “to” the class in a discussion I pause to consider what I will say and then when I speak it is a more formal and direct tone than the one I use with my friends. The way I speak at home with my family is even more relaxed because I do not have to be careful of what I say, they accept me for who I am no matter what I say, my speech is much less restrictive at home than with friends or in class.
When I write an e-mail or post on “facebook” my writing may contain abbreviations for words and slang used in everyday language. If I write a grocery list it is in words that sometimes only I am capable of reading and understanding the meaning, it is a code known only to me. This is an unacceptable way of writing when writing an essay for a class. The words written must be universally understood and acceptable style for the professors to understanding the meaning I wish to convey.
So, without be aware I feel all of us make many “shifts” everyday unconsciously adapting to what the situation requires.