Download Register & Style

Register & Style
SREEJA TIRKEY
Register
 The words the writer uses for a particular
occupation.
 Technical terms used in each profession or field.
 Eg: classroom, homework, detention etc related to
school.
 Diagnosis, observation, cardiac arrest etc in medical
field.
Style
 Includes the following
 Word
choice: author’s choice of words
 Syntax:
the way words are arranged to form
sentences. Syntax encompasses word order, sentence
length, sentence focus, and punctuation.
Five Main Language Styles (register)
 The ultra-formal style : a very formal way of
addressing an audience.
 Uses
archaic language (Thou, Hath, Thee, etc.)
 Longer
sentences with complex ideas.
The Formal Style
 Difficult words (abstract nouns)
 Eg.
Liberty, hegemony, sanctification, etc.
Complex sentences with clauses
Eg. “He had been prepared to lie, to bluster, to remain
sullenly unresponsive; but, reassured by the goodhumored intelligence of the Controller’s face, he
decided to tell the truth, straightforwardly.” Aldous
Huxley, Brave New World.
The Modified Formal Style
 A greater number of plain English words
 Active voice used rather than passive:
Active: The girl walked the dog.
Passive: The dog was walked by the girl.
 The use of abbreviated verb forms
 Wouldn’t,
can’t, shouldn’t
The Colloquial Style
 Everyday English- words you would use when talking
to your friends/family.
 Filler words used:
 Eg.
Like, know what I mean, o.k., etc.
 Shorter
more assertive sentences: This is crazy!
The ultra-colloquial style
 VERY CASUAL Speaking style (easy words):
 Eg:
Yo, How’s it goin’?
 Omits main verbs:
 Whatcha
gonna do?
 He [would] like to go but he can’t.
 Omits little function words (a, of, to):
Style also includes :
 Stylistic
devices: hyperbole, imagery, irony, etc.
 Phonology:
 Graphology:
alliteration, assonance
presentational devices: bullets, block
capitals for headlines, etc.