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Colloquialism in the Victorian Era

Below is an insight into Colloquialism in the Victorian Era and its uses. We shall also discuss the articles written by John Ruskin on his views over Colloquialism.

What is Colloquialism?

A colloquialism is an aspect of language. It is an informal approach of language that is unofficially used in our day to day life. It is also known as ‘general parlance’ or ‘informal speech’. It is used in informal situations of daily life. Every language will have a colloquial form.

A colloquialism is also addressed to as ‘casualism’. Regionalism or local speech should not be confused with Colloquialism. Local speech can have a formal approach as well. A colloquialism is never formal.

A colloquialism in the Victorian Era

Colloquialism does not support formal speech or formal writing. Speakers use this form of language when they are put in a relaxed environment when they are not self-conscious. A colloquialism is not to be confused with slang or jargons. A colloquialism is not inappropriate but is only informal.

A portrait of John Ruskin

Colloquialism has nothing to do with society or locality of the language or the speaker. In philosophical terms, it is the natural language that is distinct from logic or laws. A colloquial name is a familiar name or informal name used by a person in an informal environment.

Colloquialism vs Slang

Slang is used by a specific group of people, that is, young people, soldiers or a certain social group. Slang can be inappropriate or offensive but as said earlier Colloquialism is never inappropriate or offensive in any manner.

John Ruskin’s approach to Colloquialism

John Ruskin gave a lecture on the architectural design of the local stock market where he observed the language of the people. He decided to speak a few words about it. Ruskin’s lecture on the subject is compared to that of a priest giving a sermon to his congregation for their wrongdoings.

His themes were related to modern life, however, they were based on Biblical concepts. Ruskin pleads with his audience to treat the earth right.

More Info on- Literary Style of Charles Dickens

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