Colloquialism - Academic Mode

Colloquial Language Definition
In literature, colloquial language is the use of informal words, phrases or even slang in a script. Colloquial expressions creep in when writers who are part of a society are influenced by the way people speak in that society, they are required to add colloquial expressions to their vocabulary.

However, writers also use such expressions on purpose, as this is gives a sense of realism to their works. For example, in a fictional story depicting American society, a greeting "What's wrong?" between friends will seem more real and appropriate than the formal "How are you?" or “How are you?”

Examples of colloquial language in everyday life
Colloquial languages vary from region to region to
Gonna - Going to
Y'all - you all
Be blue - to be sad
Buzz off - go away
Examples of colloquial language in literature
Example 1: Adventure from Huckleberry (by Mark Twain) Realistically show how the “negroes” [black Americans] spoke:

“I didn't want to go back. I stopped swearing because the widow didn't like it; but now I've taken it up again because pap had no objections ... But gradually pap became too handy with his hick'ry and I couldn't take it. I dealt with welts everywhere. He also had to go away so much and lock me up. As soon as he locked me up and was gone for three days. It was terribly lonely. “

The use of double negatives is evident in the above passage and was used as a typical feature of Black American slang.

Example 2: The Sunrise (by John Donne)
John Donne uses slang languages in his poem The Sunrise:

“ Busy old fool, unruly Sun,
why are you pretending ,
You call us through windows and curtains?
Must go to the seasons of your lovers?
Saucy pedantic misery ... ”

The poet addresses the sun in an informal and colloquial manner, as if it were a real person sun in a rude way about why he had popped up and spoiled the good time he had with his lover. When he wasn't finished there, he ordered the "cheeky pedantic sun" to leave.

Example # 3: Donkey Genius (By Victor Villasenor)
We cited the use of colloquial expressions in the work Burro Genius, by Victor Villasenor:

“I don't understand!” My father roared, putting the money in his pocket. 'Hell, I've forgotten more than you or most people will EVER UNDERSTAND!'

'Salvador,' my mother said as calmly as she could, 'why don't you and Mundo come out and let me talk to this woman alone? .'

'Damn idea!' My father said. ”

In this passage, Salvador's father uses colloquial words like“ hell ”and“ curse ”, which gives an idea of his aggressive and harsh nature. The idea of using colloquialisms is to put

Example # 4: Of Mice and Men (By John Steinbeck)
However, another example of colloquialism can be seen in Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck:

“'Sure I will, George . a word. "

" Don't let him pull you in - but - if the son of a bitch socks you - let me have it. «

» It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter. I will tell you when. I hate you see Lennie when you get in trouble do you remember what I told you? '

Lennie rose to his elbow. His face screwed up with thoughts. Then his eyes wandered sadly to George's face. “If I get in trouble, don't let me groom the rabbits.”

In the example above, the author shows how vulgar slang expressions can be depending on who is using them and how they are using them. The above colloquial expressions are realistic enough as they are pronounced by middle-aged working-class men who are not well educated or refined.

Function of colloquial language
Solloquial expressions in a piece of literature can give us deep insights into the society of the writer, so they help a writer to build strong connections with readers. Colloquial expressions add a sense of realism to a piece of literature that will attract readers again when they identify it with their real life. They add variety to the characters, making them more interesting and memorable.