Question bank: Formal and Informal Treatment

During a research on the influence of migration on Spanish culture, a group of 1st-year high school students came across a series of old letters exchanged between Spanish immigrants and their relatives in Spain, dating back to the early 20th century. Analyzing the content of the letters, the students observed that the linguistic register varied considerably, depending on whether the letter sender was writing to a younger or older recipient, or if the message contained personal or formal matters. Furthermore, they realized that the verbal forms and the pronouns used not only reflected the level of closeness between sender and recipient, but also the sociocultural situation and customs of the time. Considering an excerpt from one of the analyzed letters: 'Estimado primo, espero que esta carta te encuentre en buena salud y con ánimos para seguir adelante en esta nueva tierra.'; identify the formal or informal treatment used by the letter sender and discuss, based on the norms of courtesy in the Spanish language, how these linguistic elements reflect sociocultural issues and the dynamics of relationships among speakers.

During an international conference addressing the colonial history of Latin America, a group of student representatives from different Spanish-speaking countries meet with a panel of experts and specialists on the subject. One of the students, whose delegation is responsible for leading the discussion, must address the panelists in a formal tone and using the appropriate Spanish pronouns of address. However, while preparing his intervention, the student comes across a letter written centuries ago by a Spanish conquistador to an indigenous leader of the time. In this letter, the conquistador addresses the indigenous leader using descriptive language, ethnocentric perspectives, and a clear intention to impose his worldview. Based on the analysis of the historical document, the student must determine how the pronouns of address used by the conquistador reflect the asymmetric power between both cultures and what linguistic strategies could contribute to his speech to maintain the required formality in the current academic context without reproducing the dynamics of subordination present in the historical letter.

During a cultural exchange trip to Spain, a group of 1st-year high school students had the opportunity to visit a museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso, whose work is a milestone in the 20th-century art movement. While interacting with local guides, the students noticed the variation in the use of pronouns depending on the context and the interlocutor. Picasso's work, full of meanings and references, was presented in a formal language, while more personal conversations with peers were conducted informally. Considering the importance of cultural and historical context in understanding art, analyze the following excerpt from a dialogue held by the students with one of the museum guides: '¿Podría usted explicarnos el simbolismo detrás de esta obra, por favor?' And reflect on how the pronouns are used in the dialogue, taking into account the rules of formality in the Spanish language and the artistic context in which the communication is inserted. Based on this analysis, what is the purpose of using the pronoun 'usted' in the presented excerpt and how does it contribute to the construction of interaction between the interlocutors in the museum?

In the context of an international award ceremony celebrating the achievements of young Latin American scientists in the field of space research, a panel discussion has been organized including renowned physics experts from various countries. During the panel, a posthumous tribute to Professor Carlos Gutierrez, a prominent physicist who significantly contributed to the development of science on the continent, will be presented. The tribute will be introduced by the president of the organizing committee, followed by some words from the honoree's daughter, a promising scientist who continued her father's legacy. In this formal protocol, it is essential for participants to use appropriate language, distinguishing between formal and informal situations. Assuming the role of one of the young scientists who must address their colleagues and the general public to express their reflections on Carlos Gutierrez's contribution, how should they use verbs and pronouns of address in this context of formality?