Usage of informal speech - in which situations??

[zojamedvedova]

Hi, everybody, I have a question. I dont really understand, in what situation I can use informal japanese. If I meet somebody on internet, in facebook or somewhere else, can I use informal speech when I chat with this person? Does it depends on his age? What if some of my friends introduces to me his japanese friend, should I use desu and such staff while talking to him or can I use informal speech again?
So, maybe it is silly , but if you meet somebody for first time, you use first formal speech, not only in japanese, but in other languages (German, Russian) and after getting know one another you begin to use informal speech. How does it works with japanese people, should anybody suggest using of informal speech?

[mieth]

for now you shouldnt be worried about this. just start listening to the podcasts. pay couple bucks for the subscription and start off with the newbie lessons. listen to 10-15 a day. the next day listen to the same ones you listened to the day before plus one extra. actually the time you spend writing this post would have better been used listening to a lesson.

good luck

[jkid]

zojamedvedova-san,
It's all about familiarity and closeness. You normally wouldn't use informal Japanese with anyone you weren't close to. The only time you would is if their status is lower than yours. For example, someone younger than yourself. A good thing to do is start off with formal Japanese and then use informal Japanese if invited to do so.

[tofushimi]

jkid-san, thats pretty useful advice!

[jaboyak]

demo, I have a few penpals that I asked the same question. All of them said it has to do with closeness. So, if you're becoming friends, use your casual in a very light way and if they start using it too, you're good. If not, stick to polite unless otherwise directed. haha.