What are the main differences between formal and informal Chinese language usage

The main differences between formal and informal Chinese language usage lie in vocabulary, grammar, tone, and social context. Formal Chinese tends to use more complex sentence structures, standardized grammar, and honorifics to convey respect and politeness, often found in official documents, news, and ceremonies. Informal Chinese is more relaxed and colloquial, featuring slang, contractions, simpler grammar, and expressions that reflect intimacy or casualness, commonly used in daily conversations, social media, and informal settings. Additionally, formal language respects the hierarchy and social roles through specific titles and honorific forms, while informal usage allows more freedom and creativity, with reduced emphasis on strict linguistic norms. ^{5, 18}

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