Language Registers A register of voices is an impression that’s left of your voice on others. What kind of impression do you want to leave?
Frozen Register Can’t change the words. Very respectful Ex: Pledge of Allegiance, marriage vows, poetry, prayers, announcements in the airport, and laws
Formal Register Standard academic one way communication Ex: Essay or research paper; presentation/speeches
Consultative Register Standard academic two-way communication Usually polite and courteous Ex: discussions, questions & answers in the classroom or conversation on-the-job
Casual Register Nonstandard one-way and two-way communication Slang, incomplete sentences and unfinished thoughts Example: Conversation with peers
Intimate Register Nonstandard Communication Language between people in relationships (husbands/wives, moms/dads, families, girlfriends and boyfriends, or twins) Examples: nicknames, special terms, excludes others and has its own code
An Indiviudal’s registers in the classroom or at work with friends at a school event with family in formal situations
Universal Rule A person can go from one register to the next register without any conflicts. However, if a person goes from one register to another register, skipping a level or more, this is considered antisocial behavior.
Language is power!