Language Registers Source: Montano-Harmon, M. R. “Developing English for Academic Purposes” California State University, Fullerton.

Language Registers Five language registers Each level should be used in its appropriate setting, as you consider Your Audience (who) Your Topic (what) Your Purpose (why) Your Location (where)  You must control the use of language registers in order to enjoy success in every aspect and situation you encounter.

#1: Static The Pledge of Allegiance The Lord’s Prayer This style of communications RARELY or NEVER changes. It is “frozen” in time and content. The Pledge of Allegiance The Lord’s Prayer The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution laws

#2: Formal Used in formal settings One-way in nature Follows a commonly accepted format Impersonal and formal Examples: speeches, sermons, rhetorical statements and questions, pronouncements made by judges, and announcements.

#3: Consultative Standard form of communication Users engage in a mutually-accepted structure of speech. Professional discourse, such as when strangers meet, or communications between a superior and a subordinate, doctor and patient, teacher and student

#4: Casual This is informal language used by peers and friends. Slang, vulgarities, and colloquialisms are normal. This is “group” language. One must be a member to engage in this register, such as buddies, teammates, chats and emails, and blogs, and letters to friends.

#5: Intimate This communication style is private. It is reserved for close family members or intimate people, such as husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, siblings, or parents and children.