What are common mistakes in switching between formal and informal Russian

Common mistakes in switching between formal and informal Russian often involve:

1. Incorrect use of pronouns: Mixing up the formal “вы” and informal “ты” pronouns can cause unintended offense or awkwardness.

2. Verb conjugation errors: Using informal verb forms in formal settings or vice versa, like choosing the wrong imperative or present tense form.

3. Vocabulary choice: Using colloquial or slang words in formal contexts, or overly stiff words in informal conversations.

4. Politeness markers: Forgetting or misusing polite particles like “пожалуйста,” “извините,” or titles and honorifics in formal settings.

5. Tone and phrasing: Informal Russian often uses simpler, direct language, while formal Russian tends to be more elaborate and respectful—confusing these styles leads to unnatural speech.

6. Addressing elders or superiors informally, which is considered rude or disrespectful.

7. Overusing formal language with close friends, making conversations sound stiff or awkward.

In sum, key mistakes revolve around not matching pronouns, verb forms, vocabulary, and politeness strategies appropriately to the social context and relationship between speakers. ^{1, 2, 3}

References

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• ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE CIVIL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT IN SOVIET AND RUSSIAN TIMES: FEATURES OF DYNAMICS

• Norms, Contexts and Functions of Arabic–English Code-Switching in Egyptian Computer-Mediated Communication

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