Language Registers  REV IEW FROM VERBAL COMMUNICATION LESSON: Symbols Symbols Meanings Meanings Change Change Specialized language Specialized language Include/exclude Include/exclude build up/put down build up/put down Reveal/conceal Reveal/conceal  Now that we know our words have different meanings, depending on who we use them with and where we are, what else do we need to know about using them (speaking)?

Language Registers  Language Registers  A register is a variety of language used for a particular purpose or in a particular social setting  There are different times or settings in which we choose to use different registers.  There are 5 different language registers

Language Registers 1. Static Register This style of communications RARELY or NEVER changes. It is “frozen” in time and content. e.g. the Pledge of Allegiance, the Lord’s Prayer, the Preamble to the US Constitution, the Alma Mater, a bibliographic reference, laws.

Language Registers 2. Formal Register This language is used in formal settings and is one-way in nature. This use of language usually follows a commonly accepted format. It is usually impersonal and formal. Common formats for this register are speeches, sermons, rhetorical statements and questions, pronouncements made by judges, announcements.

Language Registers 3.Consultative Register This is a standard form of communication. Users engage in a mutually accepted structure of communications. It is formal, and societal expectations accompany the users of this speech. It is professional discourse (e.g. when strangers meet), communications between a superior and a subordinate, doctor & patient, lawyer & client, judge & lawyer, teacher & student, counselor & client, and sometimes parents & children.

Language Registers 4. Casual Register This is informal language used by peers and friends. Slang, colloquialisms, and sometimes vulgarities are normal. This is “group” language. One must be a member to engage in this register (e.g. buddies, teammates, chats and s, and blogs, and letters to friends).

Language Registers 5. Intimate Register: This communication is private. It is reserved for close family members or intimate people (e.g. husband & wife, boyfriend & girlfriend, siblings, parent & children).

Language Registers Rule of Language Use: One can usually transition from one language register to an adjacent one without encountering repercussions. However, skipping one or more levels is usually considered inappropriate and even offensive. Rule of Language Use: One can usually transition from one language register to an adjacent one without encountering repercussions. However, skipping one or more levels is usually considered inappropriate and even offensive. Source: Montano-Harmon, M. R. “Developing English for Academic Purposes” California State University, Fullerton. Source: Montano-Harmon, M. R. “Developing English for Academic Purposes” California State University, Fullerton.

Language Registers  Verbal Communication Role Plays  One group acts out how you would talk to a teacher about one of the following situations and one acts out how you would talk to one of your closest friends:  Auto accident  Party  Taking an exam