9 Reasons Why Someone Writes a Personal Letter – Someone often writes a personal letter to provide information or ask for information. However, there are actually many reasons why someone writes personal letters to other people, both family members, relatives, friends, and even co-workers. In this article, we will go into depth about why a person would write such a personal letter.
A. Definition of Personal Letter
A personal letter can generally be understood as a letter written on behalf of a person to another person. Personal letters are also a way of communicating in writing that is done from one person to another. Because it contains information that is only intended for the person writing and the person receiving it, a private letter can be said to have a personal or private nature.
In terms of writing format, personal letters are different from official letters. Official letters are known to have clearer patterns accompanied by the use of standard language. Of course this is different from personal letters which are freer and tend to use informal or relaxed language.
However, there are still a few things to consider when writing a personal letter. Some of these things are, the age of the recipient (younger, the same age, or older), gender (male or female), and the author’s relationship with the recipient (familiar, not familiar, or just met)
Someone who writes a personal letter usually has a specific purpose or purpose, some are to convey information, communicate, express feelings, to various other personal goals. Regarding the purpose of personal letters will be discussed in more detail in the section below.
B. The Purpose of a Personal Letter Writing
The purpose or reason why someone writes a personal letter certainly cannot be equated. Someone who writes a personal letter certainly has different reasons, goals, or desires. There are lots of things that can be the background for someone to write and send a personal letter to a certain person.
However, there are several reasons why someone writes personal letters that are most often found, including:
1. Issue an invitation
2. Making a request or requesting information
3. Answer or reply to an invitation
4. Planning something with other people
5. Ask for an apology
6. Congratulating someone on something good
7. Convey sympathy for the misfortune that someone is feeling
8. Give thanks
9. Giving news to others
Of the nine purposes, it can be concluded that it can provide answers regarding why someone writes a personal letter. These answers include inviting, submitting requests or requesting information, answering invitations, planning something with other people, apologizing, congratulating someone on something good, expressing sympathy for a disaster that has befallen someone, thanking and informing people. other.
B. Characteristics of Personal Letters
After knowing the meaning and purpose of writing a personal letter, here are some characteristics of a personal letter that you need to know, including:
1. Personal letters contain words that intend to give greetings in general or universally. For example like, “Hi, Hello, How are you?”
2. Personal letters use everyday language that is often used in everyday life. This is of course the most visible difference between a personal letter and a formal letter. The purpose of everyday language is not to refer to language rules or standards.
3. Personal letters use first person and third person pronouns, namely “I” and the person’s name.
4. Personal letters do not need to use letterhead and various other official letter elements. The person writing the personal letter is given flexibility in adding various elements to the letter.
4. Personal letters begin with opening remarks and talks. After that, the personal letter will be continued with the contents of the letter
D. Personal Letter Terms
As previously stated, there are several requirements that a personal letter needs to have. The requirements for a personal letter are not the same as for an official or other letter. In full, the following are the requirements for a personal letter, namely:
1. The format of a personal letter is free and unrestricted.
2. Greetings and the language used in personal letters is everyday language. With an introduction in the form of an explanatory expression or preamble, and a little repeated or convoluted.
3. The language used for personal letters does not have to comply with the applicable language rules, so it is more non-standard and informal.
D. Elements of a Personal Letter
Even though it has a very different format from an official letter, there are several elements or so-called elements that must be present in a personal letter. The following are seven elements that should be present in a personal letter, namely:
1. Place and date of writing the letter
First, personal letters usually consist of the name of the place and the date the letter was written which is placed at the very top left.
2. Recipient address
Second, personal letters need to include the recipient’s address accompanied by the name of the person to whom the letter is sent. This is of course used to send personal letters correctly and not wrong people.
3. Include greeting words
Third, personal letters usually include greeting words that contain greeting sentences to the person to whom the letter is sent. Some words of greeting that are often used in personal letters, namely hi, hallo, hi gess.
4. Opening paragraph
Fourth, personal letters have an opening paragraph which usually contains an introduction regarding the topic in the letter. The opening paragraph itself is usually written based on experience.
5. Fill in the letter
Fifth, the essence of a private letter is known is the contents of the letter. This section will be used to convey the intent and purpose of the person writing to the recipient.
6. Cover letter
Sixth, after writing the contents of the letter, the next part is the closing which is used to convey a wish or thank you to the person to whom the letter was sent. The purpose of closing itself is to give a good and more familiar impression to the recipient of the letter.
7. Author’s name and signature
Located to the right of the bottom of the letter. As proof of the name of the sender of the letter.
E. Examples of Personal Letters
1. Sample Personal Letter to Give News
Jakarta, January 1, 2021
For Noorul
In Manado
Hi my fellow comrades,
How are you? I’m fine, even though you haven’t asked how I’m doing haha, btw happy new year Nurul!!!! Hopefully this year can be a better year than before. I’m sorry I haven’t informed you for a long time, because I was busy in Jakarta, but I didn’t forget to write a letter to you, even though it took a while to reply.
Doesn’t it feel like time is running fast? It’s a new feeling yesterday that we struggled to graduate from high school together, studied together, did homework together, even chose the same major, right, even though we’re different PTNs :’). Now it’s the 4th year for both of us fighting in our respective PTNs, I’m going to have the final trial next month, you know, pray for me, so that I can go smoothly until trial, and get the best grades. When are you Nurul? I’m sure you will too soon right?
Hopefully the letter can reach you as soon as possible, can’t wait to hear from you too, and also miss seeing your handwriting haha. I hope you have a good day there, I’m waiting for your reply, bye!
Greetings from the sweetest,
Sumiyati
2. Examples of Personal Letters to Express Feelings
Jakarta, January 1, 2021
For Mom and Dad
in Bandar Lampung
Assalamualaikum Wr. Wb.
Happy new year mom and dad I miss you so much. I’m sorry that I haven’t been able to go home this year to my mother and father’s house because of the pandemic that never subsides. Just like you, I also miss getting together with you and your mom.
Ladies and gentlemen, you don’t need to worry about my health, because I’m currently working from home and following the health protocol properly, I’m also diligent in taking vitamins and exercising at home, to strengthen my immune system, but even so, I don’t rule out the possibility if I go home, father. and mom, I even brought the virus from a trip, so we both have to endure this longing for the common good. Continue to comply with the health protocols, sir, madam, and also stay at home, God willing, we can gather together again soon if the virus chain has been broken.
We hope that you are always healthy and protected from all diseases and viruses, and I hope this pandemic will pass quickly so that we can meet face to face 🙂
Miss you :),
Nurul
3. Sample Personal Letter to a Friend
Manado, 5 January 2021
Dear my childhood friend,
Sumiyati
In place
Civilian Life!
that’s my major’s slogan, sounds tough right? haha you should hear it in person sometime, I’m sure you’ll be surprised 🙂 since we were separated by distance (eaa) because we entered different PTNs, we often get busy each other, and focus on our own dreams, but of course I often come -Suddenly miss your studying and hanging out, Nurul.
I can’t believe it, we haven’t seen each other for 4 years 🙁 If we were on the same island, we would have met up long ago haha. I was very happy when I got a letter from you, I’m sure you don’t believe it, but that’s the truth. Right now I am also doing my thesis and preparing myself for the final trial, maybe in a few weeks. But right now there is no exact date, I will let you know when my trial schedule is out, so you can also pray for me, I’m the only one praying for your trial hahaha.
I hope your thesis goes well and your trial too, I really know it’s impossible for a person like you to not answer fluently at trial, because you’re the type of hard worker, but I still want to wish you all the best.
Greetings from the sweeter of the sweetest,
Nurul.
4. Sample Personal Letter to Teacher
Jakarta, 25 January 2021
To my Respected Teacher,
Andi’s mother
In place
Assalamualaikum Wr. Wb.
How are you mom? Do you still remember me, I was Al, who was your student in high school, it’s okay if you don’t remember, I understand because you have a lot of students, and I was not an outstanding student in high school. but I really remember Mrs. Andine, because the way you taught us all really motivated me to be better.
Because of your mother’s words at that time on one of your subjects, I finally determined and determined my major and dream job even though other people underestimated it, but now I am successful in working in a field that suits my expertise and what I like, namely in the field of information technology. Therefore, on this rare occasion, I would like to thank you very much for teaching me and also motivating me, your services mean a lot to me, and I’m sure other friends will also think the same thing.
So many letters from me ma’am, I hope that Mrs. Andien is always healthy and always happy, thank you 🙂
Ms. Andien’s student,
Al
5. Sample Personal Letter to Parents
Jakarta, 25 January 2020
Dear Mother,
In place
hi bun,
What are you doing? I know that you want me to stay with you and work in Surabaya so that I don’t have to live alone in the capital, but right now I want to build my career as well as possible. It’s been 6 months since I worked in Jakarta and everything is fine, bro, so you don’t need to worry.
Actually I am writing this letter to inform you that I will have work in the Surabaya area for a week, and this means I can visit my mother for a few days. I’m going to Surabaya in 2 weeks, honey, I can’t wait to eat your cooking again and help you clean up the house hehe. By the way, do you want to take it or not from Jakarta, I’ll bring it later.
When this letter arrives, please reply, mom, so that I can also know how you are doing and what you want to bring, and send greetings to grandma and brother, tell me that I miss you hehe 🙂
Greetings from your son,
Ningsih.