Describe objects, events and situations with appropriate English expressions (e.g., level of formality, pre-supposition, time, audience and topics)

Formality refers to how formal or informal your language should be based on who you are speaking to and the situation. English has different registers, and choosing correctly ensures your message is received appropriately.

Types of Formality

Intimate Level – Used with very close family members or partners. Grammar may be relaxed, and slang or colloquialisms are common.

Example from the textbook:

A: Honey, did you get the Christmas tree?
B: Yep, I'm bringing it home!

Casual Level – Used among friends, classmates, and acquaintances. Simple, relaxed language without strict grammatical rules.

Example from the textbook:

A: Have you done the English Lit homework?
B: Sure! Have you?

Consultative Level – Used in formal, academic, public, and professional settings. Requires proper grammar, respectful language, and appropriate titles.

Example from the textbook:

Teacher: Good morning, John. I've reviewed your homework and I have to say it's excellent work.
Student: Thank you, miss.

Choosing the Right Level

Presupposition means assuming that your listener already knows certain information. When you speak, you build on shared knowledge. Recognizing presupposition helps you understand what a speaker takes for granted.

Identifying Presuppositions

Look at each sentence and ask: What must be true for this statement to make sense?

From the textbook activities:

1. "I am sorry I cannot find your book right now."
   Presupposition: You have a book, and it should be somewhere.

2. "Have you told your parents about your decision?"
   Presupposition: You have made a decision, and your parents exist.

3. "She is not happy about the language course she's taking."
   Presupposition: She is taking a language course.

4. "Why did you change your mind about the trip?"
   Presupposition: You originally had a different plan about the trip.

5. "We haven't heard anything from Subira."
   Presupposition: Subira exists and might have contacted you before.

Practice: Identifying Presuppositions

For each sentence, identify what the speaker assumes the listener knows:

• "When are you planning to visit your grandparents?" → Assumes you have grandparents and plan to visit them.
• "I finished my homework before watching TV." → Assumes you have homework and a television.
• "My interview went well." → Assumes you had an interview.

To describe effectively, use specific adjectives, consider your intonation, and match your language to the context.

Using Descriptive Language

The textbook passage about "Harmony Home Furnishings" shows how vivid adjectives create powerful descriptions:

A sleek glass dining table, a vibrant red chair, a vintage wooden one, a sumptuous canopy bed, an elegant dresser, a contemporary modular sofa, a bold colour choice, a charming coffee table, a whimsical ceramic vase.

These adjectives tell us about:

• Material and appearance: sleek, vintage, contemporary
• Emotion or atmosphere: charming, whimsical, elegant
• Quality or style: sumptuous, bold, vibrant

Using Intonation to Convey Emotion

The same words can mean different things depending on your intonation:

Practice: Describing a Scene

Describe a familiar Tanzanian location — such as a duka la vitu vya nyumbani in Mwanza or a soko in Arusha — using appropriate adjectives and intonation:

In the busy market of Mwanza, the vibrant colours of fresh fruits created a stunning display. The aromatic smell of mchele and maharagwe filled the air, while vendors called out prices in lively voices. The bustling atmosphere reflected the energetic spirit of the community.

When describing events, use appropriate time markers and consider what your audience needs to know.

Common Time Expressions

• Past: yesterday, last week, previously, ago, in 2023
• Present: currently, now, at the moment, today, this week
• Future: tomorrow, next month, soon, eventually, in the future

Matching to Your Audience

If you describe a past event to:

• Friends: You might say, "Last week, we went to Zanzibar and it was amazing!"
• Your teacher: You might say, "Last week, our class visited Zanzibar as part of our geography field study. It was an educational and memorable experience."
• A potential employer: You might say, "Previously, I participated in a cultural exchange program in Zanzibar, which enhanced my communication and teamwork skills."

Scenario: Describing a school event to different audiences

To a friend (casual):

Dude, our school cultural day was epic! The Form 5 drama group performed this hilarious skit about uchwara and everyone was laughing so hard. The food stalls were top — I had chipsi mayai and mandazi. Can't wait for next year!

To a visiting official (consultative):

Our school recently held its annual cultural day, which showcased various traditional performances and artistic displays. The Form 5 students performed a drama piece highlighting social issues, while several stalls served traditional Tanzanian cuisine. The event successfully promoted cultural appreciation among the student body.

• Formality depends on your relationship with the listener and the setting. Use intimate and casual language with family and friends; use consultative/formal language with teachers, employers, and strangers.
• Presupposition is the hidden assumption your statement makes about shared knowledge. Always consider what your listener already knows.
• Descriptive language (vivid adjectives) and appropriate intonation make your descriptions engaging and clear.
• Time expressions help organize your description chronologically.
• Audience awareness guides your word choice, tone, and level of detail.

In Tanzania, you use these skills daily without realizing it. When you explain a panya (rodent) problem to your mwenye nyumba, you speak formally and clearly; when you tell your mpenzi about your day, you speak casually with informal expressions. Similarly, when buying vibanzi at the market in Dar es Salaam, you adjust your language based on whether the seller is a stranger or someone you know well, ensuring your description of the produce — its freshness, size, and price — matches your relationship and the setting.