Download language registers

Language Registers
 REVIEW FROM VERBAL
COMMUNICATION LESSON:
• Symbols
• Meanings
• Change
• Specialized language
• Include/exclude
• build up/put down
• Reveal/conceal
 Now that we know our words
have different meanings,
depending on who we use them
with and where we are, what
else do we need to know about
using them (speaking)?
Language Registers
 Language Registers
 A register is a variety of
language used for a particular
purpose or in a particular
social setting
 There are different times or
settings in which we choose to
use different registers.
 There are 5 different language
registers
Language Registers
1. Static Register This style of
communications RARELY or
NEVER changes. It is “frozen”
in time and content. e.g. the
Pledge of Allegiance, the
Lord’s Prayer, the Preamble to
the US Constitution, the Alma
Mater, a bibliographic
reference, laws .
Language Registers
2. Formal Register This language
is used in formal settings and is
one-way in nature. This use of
language usually follows a
commonly accepted format. It
is usually impersonal and
formal. Common formats for
this register are speeches,
sermons, rhetorical statements
and questions,
pronouncements made by
judges, announcements.
Language Registers
3.Consultative Register This
is a standard form of
communication. Users
engage in a mutually
accepted structure of
communications. It is
formal, and societal
expectations accompany the
users of this speech. It is
professional discourse (e.g.
when strangers meet),
communications between a
superior and a subordinate,
doctor & patient, lawyer &
client, judge & lawyer,
teacher & student,
counselor & client, and
sometimes parents &
Language Registers
4. Casual Register This is
informal language used by
peers and friends.
Slang, colloquialisms, and
sometimes vulgarities are
normal.
This is “group” language.
One must be a member to
engage in this register (e.g.
buddies, teammates, chats
and emails, and blogs, and
letters to friends).
Language Registers
5. Intimate Register: This
communication is private.
It is reserved for close
family members or
intimate people (e.g.
husband & wife, boyfriend
& girlfriend, siblings,
parent & children).
Rule of Language Use:
One can usually transition
from one language register
to an adjacent one without
encountering
repercussions. However,
skipping one or more
levels is usually
considered inappropriate
and even offensive.
Language Registers

Source: Montano-Harmon, M. R. “Developing
English for Academic Purposes” California State
University, Fullerton.
Language Registers
 Verbal Communication Role
Plays
 One group acts out how you
would talk to a teacher about
one of the following
situations and one acts out
how you would talk to one of
your closest friends:
 Auto accident
 Party
 Taking an exam