1. Language Registers

2. What is language register?
In linguistics, a register is a variety of a language used for a particular purpose or in a particular social setting. Formal Setting Informal Setting walking (velar nasal) walkin (alveolar) father (impersonal) dad (personal) am not (formal phrase) ain’t (informal contraction)

3. Halliday (1978) defines language registers based on three well-known parameters: field (what is happening or activities involved), tenor (participants’ status and roles), and mode (type of language and communication channels).

4. Audience
Different audiences require differing types of language. For example, the way people speak with their parents may differ from how they speak with their siblings. The language used likely changes when speaking with friends, and should change again when speaking with classmates at school. Similarly, when writing, people adjust the formality, tone, and vocabulary used based on who the writing is intended for.

5. Topic
Different areas in school and differing topics require differing styles of speech and writing. Mathematicians, scientists, historians, artists, musicians and others use differing styles when speaking about or writing about the subject and topic at hand. For example, when writing in science, students avoid the use of metaphors or unnecessary language, being as concise as possible while getting the appropriate principle, findings, descriptions, etc. across the reader.

6. Purpose
People should clearly understand the purpose of their writing or speech. Is it to inform, argue, persuade, describe, narrate, share cause and effect, or some other purpose? When they are clear on the purpose of writing or speech, they can more accurately choose the language register to use.

7. Location
Location can, and often does, dictate the appropriate register to use. In a school setting, the language and formality used in the classroom differ from the language used in the hallways or on the playground. Similarly, the vocabulary and syntax used to answer a simple question versus giving a formal speech in the classroom differs.

8. Frozen or Static Register
At this level, language is literally “frozen” in time and form. It does not change. This type of language is often learned and repeated (rote practice).
Static vocalizations are recited in a ritualistic monotone
Wording is exactly the same every time it is spoken
Biblical quotations, Pledge of Allegiance,
wedding vows, oaths

9. Formal Register
This style is impersonal and often follows a prescriptive format. The speaker uses complete sentences, avoids slang and may use technical or academic vocabulary. It is likely that the speaker uses fewer contractions, rather opt for complete words.
One-way participation
No interruption
Definitions are important
Presentations, etc.

10. Consultative Register
This is the register used when consulting an expert such as a doctor. The language used is more precise. The speaker is likely to address the expert by a title such as ‘Doctor,’ ‘Mr,’ or ‘Mrs.’
Two-participation
Background information is provided.
Back channel behavior such as “uh huh,” “I see,’ etc is common.
Interruptions are allowed.

11. Casual Register
This register is conversational in tone. It is the language used among and between friends. Words are general, rather than technical. This register may include more slang and colloquialisms.
In-group friends and acquaintances
Ellipsis and slang are common.
Interruptions are common.

12. Intimate Register
The register is reserved for close family members such as parents and children and siblings, or intimate people such as spouses.
Intonation is more important.
Includes more non-verbal messages