formal or informal

Poipu04 · Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 4:37 pm Post subject: formal or informal

I would like to send a picture that I took with an elderly cousin on my trip to Calabria. When I write her a note, do I use the informal or formal forms of speech?

Italysearcher · Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 3:37 am Post subject: Re: formal or informal

Informal with relatives. She wouldn't be offended, just glad that you took the trouble to write in Italian.

Poipu04 · Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 11:55 am Post subject: Re: formal or informal

Thanks, Ann! My Italian teacher wasn't very good. He said, I am not going to teach you "tu" forms because you won't know anyone in Italy. LOL.

Italysearcher · Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 2:30 pm Post subject: Re: formal or informal

Actually, I simply ask if I may give (strangers) the 'tu' and they always say yes. They know how difficult it is and even they make mistakes.