Situational
Channel: English Unpacked
Date: 2023-10-21

The term "situational" refers to something that is related to or determined by a particular situation or set of circumstances. It describes events, actions, or behavior that are influenced by the context in which they occur. In other words, it means that something can change or vary depending on the specific situation at hand.
Examples of "situational" can be found in various aspects of language and communication:
1. Situational Vocabulary: Some words or phrases are used in specific situations or contexts. For example, the vocabulary used in a business meeting may be different from that used in a casual conversation with friends. In a business meeting, phrases like "action items," "deliverables," or "quarterly reports" are commonly used, while in a casual conversation, phrases like "hang out," "catch up," or "what's up" are more typical.
2. Situational Tone: The tone or style of communication can vary depending on the situation. For instance, a formal email to a professor or a boss would have a more serious and polite tone, while a text message to a close friend may have a more relaxed and casual tone. The choice of words, sentence structure, and level of formality will differ in each situation.
3. Situational Grammar: Grammar rules can also change based on the situation. For example, the use of contractions like "don't" or "can't" is considered informal and may be acceptable in casual conversations or informal writing. However, in more formal situations, such as academic writing or professional correspondence, it is generally preferred to use the full forms, such as "do not" or "cannot."
4. Situational Pragmatics: Pragmatics refers to the study of how context influences the meaning of language. Different situations require different levels of politeness, directness, or indirectness. For example, if someone asks, "Can you pass me the salt?" during a meal, it is expected that the person sitting closest to the salt shaker will simply hand it over. In this situation, the request is implied and does not require a lengthy explanation.
Overall, understanding the situational aspects of language helps us communicate effectively in different contexts. By adapting our vocabulary, tone, grammar, and pragmatics to the situation at hand, we can ensure that our message is clear and appropriate.