LESSON 5: Language Register

Because each of us belongs to different social groups, we speak a language

variety made up of a combination of features slightly different from
those characteristics of any other speaker of the language.

-Klammer, Schulz, Della Volpe,

 Analyzing English Grammar. Longman, 2007

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

 Distinguish between various formal and informal language registers;

 Use the appropriate register for a specific context;
 Communicate effectively in various settings; and
 Evaluate the registers of the interactants in a given context.

LANGUAGE REGISTER

A register is a variety of a language that is appropriate in specific situations. More generally, the term
refers to degrees of formality in language use. It is one of the many styles or varieties of language
determined by such factors such as the audience (who), the topic (what), purpose (why), and location
(where).

Different situations and people call for different registers. There are five language registers or styles. Each
level has an appropriate use that is determined by differing situations.

1. Static Register
This style of communication RARELY or NEVER changes. Language is literally “frozen” in time, content
and form. It does not change. This type of language is often learned and repeated by rote. e.g. the Pledge
of Loyalty, the Lord’s Prayer, the Preamble to the Philippine Constitution, the Alma Mater song, a
bibliographic reference, laws.

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. The speaker uses complete sentences,
avoids slang and may use technical or academic vocabulary. It is likely that the speaker or writer will use
fewer contractions but opt instead for complete words. This is the register used for most academic and
scientific publishing.

A common format for this register are speeches. E.g. sermons, rhetorical statements and questions,
pronouncements used by judges, announcements.

3. Consultative Register
Consultative register is a standard form of communication. This is the register used when consulting an
expert and the language used is more precise. It is formal and societal expectations accompany the users
of this speech. The speaker is likely to address the expert by a title such as “Doctor”, “Mr.” or “Mrs.”.
Some sources say this register is the formal register used in conversation.

Because it is a professional discourse, users engage a mutually accepted structure of communication.

e.g. when strangers meet, communication between a superior and a subordinate, doctor and patient,
lawyer and client, lawyer and judge, teacher and student, counselor and client.

4. Casual Register
This informal language or conversational-in-tone register is used by peers and friends. Words are general
rather than technical. Slang, vulgarities and colloquialisms 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 friend.

Families and groups of friends develop their own words related to their shared experiences. Usually
communicators do not even realize they have developed these specialized words and meanings until
someone outside the groups asks what a word or phrase means.

5. Intimate Register
This communication is private. It is reserved for close family members or intimate people. e.g. husband or
wife, siblings, parent and children. It is best avoided in public and professional situations.

Kinship and friendship language brings people together but at the same time it can make others left out.
You are most likely to use friendship and kinship language on special occasions, such as in a wedding
toast or in a farewell speech at a going-away party.

A speaker may move from one register to another with ease. For example, you will address your teachers
as Ma’am or Sir in school in whatever topic you are talking about. If it happens that this teacher is a
member of your family, you will then be using casual or intimate register when at home. In one of your
classes, you might have a formal discussion on a topic with your classmates and your teacher. When you
go out from your classroom and go to the canteen with your classmates, you will then have a different
register when talking to them while eating at the canteen.

Let’s Respond
A. Notice the use of register out in the world. Do the following:
 Read the letters to the editor in the day’s paper.
 Listen to a radio broadcast.
 Listento millennials in conversation at the school canteen or at the study tables.
 Read a business letter.
 Listen to the members of your family in a family meal.

B. Write down the sample texts or utterances below.

COMMUNICATION SAMPLE TEXTS/ UTTERANCES

CONTEXTS

1. Letters to the Editor a.

b.
 c.

2. Radio broadcast a.

b.

c.

3. Millennials in conversation a.
In social media

b.

c.

4. Business letters a.

b.

c.

5. Elders/Parents during a a.
meal

b.

c.

What register are they using? What features identify it as that register? Why do you think the speakers
chose that register?