Final answer:
John's ability to switch between informal and formal language shows his understanding of code-switching, a social skill that involves changing language styles according to the context, reflecting cultural competence and awareness of different communicative situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
John has the ability to talk informally with his friends and more formally to his teachers during class. Clearly John understands the concept of code-switching, which refers to the practice of alternating between two or more languages or varieties of language in conversation. When communicating with his friends, John may use slang, contractions, and a more relaxed tone that are typical of informal speech. By contrast, when addressing teachers in a classroom setting, John is likely to employ standard English, marked by specific terms, using respectful language, and enunciating clearly, which are hallmarks of formal communication. Variations of language use, such as dialects and colloquialisms, are often tied to one's social identity and can reflect power dynamics or personal connections within a community. For example, people of color may navigate different sociolinguistic environments by code-switching between more vernacular forms of English in personal settings and standardized English in professional or educational settings. This ability to switch language styles is a crucial social skill that reflects both cultural competence and the understanding of different communicative contexts.