Oral Communication:

Language registers

Registers refer to the level of formality associated with a variety of language. Language
registers vary from the most formal to the most informal. Linguists have identified 5
levels:

1. Frozen: National anthems and prayers (the Lord's Prayer) are examples of a fixed,
frozen register which does not require any feedback.

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also
have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil
one." eg. All passengers are invited to proceed forward to the lounge.

2. Formal: language used in official and ceremonial occasions (court, business meetings,
interview, classroom, etc.). The language is often a standard variety. Eg. Would all the
passengers proceed upstairs.

3. Consultative: language used for the purpose of seeking assistance. It also describes the
language betwwen superior and subordinate (lawyer/client, teacher/student,
doctor/patient, etc.) where one has more knowledge and expertise than the other. Eg.
Would you please go upstairs?

4. Casual/Informal: language used between friends. Very relaxed. Slang is used in this
context. Eg. come on upstairs dude!

5. Intimate: language used between people who share a close relationship. This register
takes into account terms of endearment, slangs, and expressions whose meaning is shared
with a small group/subset of persons. Eg. Mothers giving pet names to their children,
close friends, girlfriend-boyfriend, husband-wife, etc.

For example:

Come on up!
Let's go up!
Come up little kitten!
Come closer, baby!!