LANGUAGE REGISTER
pertains to the level and style of writing or speaking.
level of formality in writing or speaking.
the concept of register is typically concerned with variations in language
conditioned by uses rather than uses and involves consideration of the
situation or context of use, the purpose, subject matter and content of the
message, and the relationship between the participants.
How do you decide which language register is appropriate to use?
Audience (Who)
Topic (What)
Purpose (What)
Setting (Where)
EXAMPLE:
To your brother: Hey bro! What's up? It's awesome that you came to visit!
(Informal Casual)
To the President: Good morning, Mr. President. We appreciate your visit.
(Formal Register)
SITUATION:
Hannah was in the canteen talking with her classmates about
their experiences last summer. They were giggling and talking out loud
using vocabulary that young people like her understand. She was in the
middle of sharing her story when somebody patted her shoulder. When
she turned around, it was Ms. Lopez, her music teacher. Ms. Lopez
instructed Hannah to go to her office.
At the office, Ms. Lopez asked Hannah if she was able to practice
the piano piece for the recital. Hannah answered yes in a formal manner
using a low pitch. Ms. Lopez handed Hannah the invitation for the
recital after giving her instructions. Hannah thanked Ms. Lopez and bid
her good day.
What happened here?
Hannah shifted from being formal to being formal to suit the
person she is talking to and the situation she is currently in.
Hannah used proper language registers.
VARIETIES AND REGISTERS OF
SPOKEN AND WRITTEN LANGUAGE
1. FROZEN REGISTER
The most formal register, the language use is fixed and constant and the
nature of the language does not require feedback.
Examples are national anthem, The Lord’s Prayer, preamble to the
constitution.
2. FORMAL REGISTER
The language requires formal English because it is used in official and
ceremonial setting and the language is written without emotion.
Examples are essays, official speeches, court proceedings, swearing in
ceremony and an interview.
Formal writing includes:
Business Letters
Letters of complaint
Official speeches
Announcements
Professional emails
SOME RULES IN FORMAL REGISTER
1. Do not use contractions
2. Avoid using slang, idioms, exaggeration (hyperboles) and clichés
3. Avoid abbreviations and acronyms
4. Always write in complete sentences.
3. CONSULTATIVE REGISTER
The language is used specifically for the purpose of soliciting aid, support, or
intervention. In the setting, one person in an expert and the other person is
the receiver of expertise.
Examples are client and doctor consultation, teacher and student conversation
and employee and employer conversation.
4. INFORMAL REGISTER (CASUAL)
The language is laidback and conversational, the language uses slangs,
jargons and contractions.
Examples are friendly letters, diaries and journals, chat with friends, most
blogs and text messages.
Informal writing includes:
Personal e-mails
Phone texts
Short notes
Friendly letters
Most blogs
Diaries and journals
5. INFORMAL REGISTER (INTIMATE)
The language is casual and personal and uses terms of endearment, slangs
and/or terms understandable only to the person.
Examples are lovers
6. NEUTRAL REGISTER
The language sticks to facts and deals with non-emotional topics and
information.
Examples are technical writing, reviews, article (news article).