Style and Register

Srbu Iuliana

All people, regardless of what dialect they speak, control a range of speech styles. Depending on who we are talking to, and where we are, and so forth, we use different styles of speech. This is called style shifting.

 How would you talk to a) your friends, b) your parents, c) your professors? Do you use the same style with all three? No! You are casual with your friends, more formal but still familiar with your parents, and most formal with your professors. So, STYLE SHIFTING means how a person would talk to others according to place and position.

 There are different types of speech: Casual Informal Formal Frozen Frozen Style: Frozen style is the name that has been given to things like public notices which have a certain recognizable structure whoever they occur.

 Register is an important concept for composing and responding to a spoken text. It is a concept that refers to particular types of language that are used for particular purposes. To achieve a formal register, a composer needs to use formal language. This means that the composer will use correct grammar and avoid any colloquial language, slang or jargon. The types of texts where you will find a formal register will be in formal speeches such as from your principal on speech night or from the prime minister.

 To achieve an informal register, a composer needs to use informal language. This means that the composer does not need to use absolutely correct grammar and can use colloquial language and slang. Examples where you could use or see texts with an informal register might include talking to friends. You should consider the purpose and audience of the text and think, 'What register would be most effective to reach my audience?'

 When analysing texts, register should be one of the first things that you consider. This will help you decide what the purpose of a text is, as well as the intended audience. Register can vary according to Medium, Domain or Tenor

 Medium (sometimes called 'mode' by other writers): Your language changes according to the medium used (c.f. 'the language of speech', 'the language of writing'). Domain (sometimes called 'field' by other writers): Your language changes according to he domain that the language is related to. This includes (a) the subject matter being spoken or written about (cf. 'the language of science', 'the language of law') and (b) the function that the language is being used for (cf. 'the language of advertising', 'the language of government'). Tenor: The tenor of your language (e.g. how politely or formally you speak) changes according to (a) who you are talking or writing to (cf. the language we use when talking to close friends compared with that used when talking to strangers or people who are socially distant from us) and (b) the social situation you find yourself in (e.g a child whose mother is a teacher will talk to her in different ways, depending on whether they are at home or at school).

The appropriate language register depends upon the audience (who), the topic (what), purpose (why) and location (where).
You must control the use of language registers in order to enjoy success in every aspect and situation you encounter. 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 Lords Prayer, the Preamble to the US Constitution, the Alma Mater, 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. A common format for this register are speeches. e.g. sermons, rhetorical statements and questions, speeches, pronouncements made by judges, announcements. 3. Consultative Register This is a standard form of communications. 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, lawyer & judge, teacher & student, counselor & client, 4. Casual Register This is informal language used by peers and friends. Slang, vulgarities and colloquialisms are normal. This is group language. One must be member to engage in this register. e.g. buddies, teammates, chats and emails, and blogs, and letters to friends. 5. Intimate Register This communications is private. It is reserved for close family members or intimate people. e.g. husband & wife, boyfriend & girlfriend, siblings, parent & children.