PURPOSIVE

COMMUNICATION
WEEK 6-7
 Varieties and Registers of a Language
• Language variety, also known as lect,
refers to any distinct form of a
language or linguistic expression.
Linguists commonly use language
variety (or simply variety) as a catch-
all term for any of a language's
overlapping subcategories, such as
dialect, register, jargon, and idiolect.
• To comprehend the meaning of
language varieties, it is necessary to
consider how lects differ from
Standard English, as even the
definition of Standard English is a
source of contention among linguists.
Varieties and Registers of a Language
• Standard English is a debatable term for a type of the English language that is
used by educated users to write and speak. Some linguists consider standard
English to be synonymous with good or correct English usage. Others apply
the term to a specific geographical dialect of English or a dialect preferred by
the most powerful and prestigious social group.
Scholars of language have observed that varieties of language develop for a
number of reasons: differences of geographical reasons wherein people who live
in different geographic areas often develop distinct dialects—variations of
standard English. Those who belong to a specific group, often academic or
professional, tend to adopt jargon that is known to and understood by only
members of that select group. Even individuals develop idiolects, their own
specific ways of speaking.
Varieties and Registers of a Language
 Scholars of language have observed that varieties of
language develop for a number of reasons: differences of
geographical reasons wherein people who live in different
geographic areas often develop distinct dialects—variations
of standard English.
 Those who belong to a specific group, often academic or
professional, tend to adopt jargon that is known to and
understood by only members of that select group. Even
individuals develop idiolects, their own specific ways of
speaking.
 Dialect
 The term dialect, which includes the
word "lect," is derived from the Greek
words dia-, which means "across,
between ," and legein, which means "
speak .“
 A dialect is a regional or social
variation of a language distinguished
by differences in pronunciation,
grammar, and/or vocabulary. The
term dialect is frequently used to
describe a manner of speaking that
differs from the standard variety of
the language.
Types of Lects
a. Regional dialect
 a variety spoken in particular region. Examples:
Ilocano in Ilocos region, Chavacano in Zamboanga,
Waray in certain part of Visayan region.
b. Sociolect
 known as social dialect. A type pf language or
register used by socioeconomic class, profession, an
age groups or any other social group.
Example: The gaylingo
Eight (8) major dialects spoken by majority of the
Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or
Ilonggo, Bicolano, Waray, Pampango, and
Pangasinense. 
Types of Lects (continuation..)
c. Ethnolect
 a lect spoken by specific ethnic group. Examples:
lect spoken by Igorots and Aetas in our country.
d. Idiolect
 the language or languages spoken by each
individual.
 Register
• The way a communicator uses language
differently in different situations is referred to as
register. In linguistics, registers occur when there
are differences in formality, also known as stylistic
variation, in the use of language depending on the
occasion, activity, or person with whom you are
conversing.
• For example, when conversing with your best
friend, your choice of words, tone of voice, hand
gestures, and body movements may differ from
those used during class oral recitations or job
interviews.
 Register
• Typically, registers are determined by factors such
as social occasion, context, purpose, and audience.
In general, registers are defined by the use of
colloquial words and phrases, jargons, and
differences in intonation and pace.
• Registers, on the other hand, are used in all forms
of communication, both written and spoken. The
register can be extremely rigid or very intimate
depending on grammar, syntax, and tone. To
communicate effectively, you don't even need to
use words.
Colloquial- means words or phrases that informal. It
is used for casual communication. Example: gonna
(informal) formal: going to
 Jargon
Jargon is a specialized language used by
a professional or occupational group. For
outsiders, such language is frequently
meaningless. Jargon is defined by American
poet David Lehman as "the verbal sleight of
hand that makes the old hat seem newly
fashionable; it lends an air of novelty and
specious profundity to ideas that, if stated
directly, would appear superficial, stale,
frivolous, or false."
 Jargon
In other words, jargon is a creative method of
creating a sort of dialect that only those on this
group of individuals or professions can
understand.
For instance, debit and credit are considered
jargons in the field of business while software
and hardware are jargons in the field of
computer science and information technology.
In the field of journalism, yellow journalism and
beat are considered as jargons while starboard
and mooring are terms used in the field of
maritime industry.
JARGONS IN DIFFERENT FIELDS

Examples of Medical Jargons:

• BP - Medical shorthand for blood pressure
• FX - Medical jargon meaning bone fracture
• JT - A joint
• NPO - A patient should not take anything by
nil per os  (nothing
mouth, from the Latin phrase 
by mouth)
Examples of Business Jargon
 Due diligence - Putting effort into research before making
a business decision
 Bang for the buck - A term that means to get the most for
your money
Examples of Police Jargon
 Code Eight - Term that means officer needs help
immediately
 Code Eleven - A code that means the individual is at the
scene of the crime
ADDITIONAL READINGS
Different facets of
Gestures
V for victory or peace sign
 popularized by England’s Prime Minister Winston
Churchill
 However, if you make this gesture with your palm
toward yourself in Australia, UK, South Africa and
other countries, it would mean disobedience,
disrespect or insults.
Different facets of
Gestures (continuation..)

The OK sign
 means OK in US but means money in Japan
or zero in France
Different facets
of Gestures
(continuation..)

Thubs-up gesture
 signify job well done in
many cultures
 However, in Australia,
Greece, and Middle East
(specially if it is extend
upward as typical
hitchhiking gesture- would
mean “up yours”
Different facets
of Gestures
(continuation..)

Pointing with the index finger

 considered a very rude
thing to do in China, Japan,
Indonesia, Latin America
Curling the index finger with the palm
facing up

 gesture used in the US

to ask people to come
closer
 However, this is
considered rude in
Slovakia, China, East
Asia, Malaysia,
Singapore.
Other Gestures and their meanings
a. Resting your hands in your pocket is a relaxing
thing to do BUT in some Asian cultures like Korea
and Japan, it is a sign of arrogance.
b. Don’t walk into homes in Asia with your shoes on.
In Japan, you need to remove your shoes at the
door and slip into house slippers.
 Gift Giving in Some Countries
Gift giving is considered a token of gratitude,
appreciation, and consideration, but it is not
appreciated in many countries.
a. in Asia and Middle East, you should handle gifts with
care. Use the right hand to give and receive gifts
because left hand is considered dirty.
b. In Russia, thank you cards are considered
impractical, send a small gift to your hosts after dinner
or overnight stay instead (thank you for hospitality)
c. In China, avoid giving someone an umbrella
because it means you want to end the relationship.
d. In China and Hongkong, avoid giving a green hat.
It means your partner is cheating on you or your
sister is a prostitute.
e. Wrapping gifts is customary, but be careful with
your color of the gift wrap.
 Never use white, black, or blue gift wrap
throughout Asia because they suggest mourning.
f. In South Africa, always arrive at a dinner party
with a gift. Expensive gifts are not expected, but
flowers, chocolates, or good bottle of wine will be
appreciated.
 Gift-giving is universal but not every culture has
the same traditions. Before offering gift, better
familiarize yourself with the practice in the
country and avoid misunderstanding.
Political Correctness
 refers to te use of particular language intended
to avoid offense or disadvantage to members of
particular groups in the society.
 the main objective is to eliminate exclusion,
marginalization, or insult to groups of people
considered disadvantaged or discriminated
against, specially groups defined by sex or race.
Examples of politically correct words and
phrases:

Immigrant newcomer
homeless outdoor urban dwellers
dishonest ethically disoriented
poor economically marginalized
job losses job restructuring
criminal behaviorally challenged
broken home dysfunctional family
failure non-traditional success
illegal voter undocumented voter
chairman chairperson/chair
jungle rainforest
fireman firefighter
deaf hearing impaired
manpower human resources
disease disorder
businessman business person
plastic surgery cosmetic surgery
Gender-Neutral Language
Examples:
1. Occupational references
Biased Bias-Free
policeman police officer
career woman professional, manager, executive

insurance man insurance agent

2. Role References
Biased Biased-free
alumni graduates
housewife homemaker
freshman first-year student
spokesman spokesperson
3. Group references
Biased Biased-free
brotherhood kinship, community
countryman compatriot
fatherland nativeland
mother tongue native language
4. Other stereotypes
Biased Biased-free
king-size jumbo, gigantic
mainden name birth name
manhood adulthood
manly strong, mature
 REFERENCE

Martinez, R. M. (2019). Purposive Communication .

Intramuros, Manila: Mindshapers Co., Inc.