1. Register and Style

2. Register & Style
Register = Language choices based on the situation, the information being communicated, and the target audience.
There are linguistic similarities within and across media.
Certain restrictions particular to the media, and style rules to be followed.
Most people can alter their register (level of formality) depending on to whom they are communicating.

3. Register & Style
Various media formats (and genres within each format) have their own register and style.
Factors include: nature of sender, purpose, and audience.
Register and style are an integral part of genres!
How does this help us to critically approach the communicative act?

4. Being Critical…
Pay attention to the choice of vocabulary, tone, emphasis, and other elements that reveal register and style.
A discerning audience can use this to “read” beneath the words and between the lines.
If someone speaks to you as they would to a 5-year-old, it implies is condescension towards you.

5. Dialect, Jargon, Pronunciation
Each plays an important role in register and/or style.
Help to develop genre and set audience expectations for the content.
There is a variety within a genre, but an overarching theme.
E.g: News reporters have neutral accents, exceedingly clear pronunciation, formal register but not highbrow vocabulary.