The 5 Language Registers Original handout based on this source: Montano-Harmon, M.R. “Developing English for Academic Purposes” California State University, Fullerton. I rely heavily on their work in my own adaptation here. Valerie Stevenson, June 2012

In music, a “register” refers to the height or range of a note, its tone and pitch. A similar concept applies to language registers or levels. Each level has an appropriate use that is determined by the rhetorical situation—the audience (who), topic (what), purpose (why), and location (where). People in general, even as children, develop a sense of adapting their language to a situation. The language of the locker room doesn’t work in a job interview or with your grandmother! The great American writer James Baldwin goes so far as to declare in a 1979 essay that language is a “key to identity.” It is certainly true that someone who understands and can effectively use the right language register in the appropriate situation is tremendously advantaged over someone who can’t.

1. Static Register This style of communication rarely or never changes. It is “frozen” in time and content. Examples include: the Pledge of Allegiance, the Lord’s Prayer, the Preamble to the Constitution, bibliographic references, written laws.

2. Formal Register This is the level of language used in formal situations and is one-way in nature. This formal register often follows a commonly accepted format and is impersonal in tone. Examples include: speeches, sermons, civic proclamations and declarations, pronouncements by judges or elected officials.

3. Consultative Register In most situations, this is a standard form of communications. At this level, users engage in a mutually accepted structure of communications with definite societal expectations. Not to be able to communicate at this register in both speech and writing can be a handicap that limits social success or career advancement. Examples include: professional discourse, meeting with strangers, communications between socially superior and subordinate roles such as a doctor and patient, judge and lawyer, teacher and student, employer and employee, police officer and citizen, senior citizen and teenager.

4. Casual Register This is the informal language used by peers and friends. This is “group language,” and depending on the group, slang, vulgarities, and colloquialisms are normal in this register. One must be a member of the perceived group to comfortably engage in this register. Examples include: taking with buddies or teammates, chats, IMs, email, blogs, letters to friends.

5. Intimate Register This communication is private. It is reserved for close family members or other intimate relationships. It often has its own special words or codes, such as the special language between identical twins. Examples include: husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, siblings, parents and children.