Varieties of Spoken and

Written Language
The linking of our world through global communications is nearly
completed. Our world is now circled by superhighways of information.
Our skies are loaded with satellites for broadcasting our communication.
Interconnectivity is now easy.
Does this mean that our world will become one world, integrated and
united economically and politically, harmonized culturally? We do not
believe this will be the case.
The observation of John Naisbitt in his book Megatrends 2000 says, “the
more homogenous our lifestyles become, the more steadfastly we cling
to deeper values, religion, language, art, and literature.
As our outer worlds grow more similar, we will increasingly treasure the
traditions that spring from within” (Parapak, 1996). In some ways, we
have been more and more globalized in our lifestyles, business, factories,
music,
fashion, fast food, however the inner elements, the fundamentals of
language, philosophy, religion, and values systems will remain diverse
and varied.
Speaking of language, not only does diversity remain specifically in it.
Language varieties continue to exist
LANGUAGE VARIETIES

In present-day linguistics, the term variety is used to refer to any

variant of a language which can be
sufficiently delimited from one another. The grounds for such
differentiation may be social, historical,
spatial, or combination of these.
Language variety simply refers to a distinguishable variant of a
language. This means that there are a
large number of varieties of any given language. The sole criterion
to be fulfilled by a particular variety is
delimitation vis a vis other varieties. Dialects within a variety
framework are referred to as regional
varieties and sociolects as social varieties, though the label
dialect can be retained if used objectively.
(https://www.uni-due.de)
In https://www.hawaii.edu, several varieties of language are identified and described as follows:

1. A pidgin is a new language which develops in situations where speakers of different languages
need to communicate but don’t share a common language. The vocabulary of a pidgin comes
mainly from one particular language (called the lexifier). An early pre-pidgin is quite restricted in
sue and variable in structure. But the later stable pidgin develops its own grammatical rules
which are quite different from those of the lexifier. Once a stable pidgin has emerged, it is
generally learned as a second language and used for communication among people who speak
different languages. Examples are Nigerian Pidgin and Bislama (spoken in Vanuatu).

2. When children start learning a pidgin as their first language and it becomes the mother tongue
of a community, it is called as a creole. Like a pidgin, a creole is a distinct language which has
taken most of its vocabulary from another language, the lexifier, but has its own unique
grammatical rules. Unlike a pidgin, however, creole is not restricted in use, and is like any other
language in its full range of functions. Examples are Gullah, Jamaican Creole, and Hawai’I Creole
English. Note that the words pidgin and creole are technical terms used by linguists, and not
necessarily by speakers of language. For example, speakers of Jamaican Creole call their
language Patwa (from patois) and speakers of Hawai’I Creole English call theirs Pidgin
LANGUAGE REGISTERS
According to Nordquist (2018) in his article entitled What is Register
in Linguistics, register is defined as the way a speaker uses
language differently in different circumstances. Think about the
words you choose, your tone of voice, even your body language. You
probably behave very differently when chatting with a friend than
you would be at a formal dinner party or during a job interview.
These variations in formality, also called as stylistic variation, are
known as registers in linguistics.
Language register is the level and style of one’s writing. It should be
appropriate for the situation one is in.
Registers are determined by such factors as social occasion,
context, purpose, and audience. They are marked by a variety of
specialized vocabulary and turns of phrases, colloquialisms, and the
use of jargon, and a difference in intonation and pace. In the Study
of Language, linguist George Yule describes the function of jargon
as helping to create and maintain connections among those who see
themselves as insiders in some way and to exclude outsiders
(Nordquist, 2018)
The language register determines the vocabulary,
structure, and some grammar in one’s writing and
even in one’s oral discourse.
Registers are used in all forms of communication,
including written, spoken, and signed. Depending on
grammar syntax, and tone, the register may be
extremely rigid or intimate. You do not need to use
an actual word to communicate effectively. A huff of
exasperation during a debate or a grin while signing
hello speaks volume (Nordquist, 2018).
Some linguists say there are just two types of register: formal and
informal. This is not incorrect, but Nordquist (2018) considers this as an
oversimplification. Instead, most who study language say there are five
distinct registers.
1. Frozen. This form is sometimes called the static register because it
refers to historic language or communication that is intended to remain
unchanged, like a constitution or prayer. Examples: The Bible, The US
Constitution, The Bhagavad Gita, and Romeo and Juliet.
2. Formal. Less rigid, but still constrained, the formal register is used in
professional, academic, or legal settings where communication is
expected to be respectful, and restrained. Slang is never used, and
contractions are rare. Examples: a TED talk, a business presentation, the
Encyclopedia Britannica.
3. Consultative. People use this register often in conversation when they
are speaking with someone who has specialized knowledge or who is
offering advice. Tone is often respectful (use of courtesy titles), but may
be more casual if the relationship is longstanding or friendly (a family
doctor). Slang is sometimes used. People may also pause or interrupt
one another. Examples: the local TV news broadcast, an annual physical
examination.
4. Casual. This is the register people use when they
are with friends, close acquaintances, coworkers,
and family. It is probably the one you think of when
you consider how you talk with other people, often in
a group setting. Use of slang, contractions, and
vernacular grammar is all common, and people may
also use expletives or off-color language in some
settings. Examples: a birthday party, a backyard
BBQ gathering.
5. Intimate. Linguists say this register is reserved for
special occasions, usually between only two people
and often in private. Intimate language may be
something as simple as an inside joke between two
college friends or a word whispered in a lover’s ear.
Meanwhile, in https://www.really-learn-english.com, language
registers are classified as either formal, informal, or neutral.
The formal register is more appropriate for professional writing
and letters to a boss or a stranger; while the informal register
(also called casual or intimate) is conversational and appropriate
when writing to friends and people you know very well. Finally,
the neutral register is non-emotional and stick to facts. It is most
appropriate for technical writings. For some instances, the formal
and informal registers may be mixed to present the information
in an easy to understand and personal tone.
1. Formal Language Register. Formal writing is probably the most
difficult type of writing. It is impersonal, meaning it is not written
for a specific person and is written without emotion.
Some kinds of writing are always in written Formal English.
Formal writing includes:
Business letters, letters of complaint, some essays, reports,
official speeches, announcements, and professional emails.
There are many rules for writing in formal writing. We will
discuss some of the most common rules here:
a. Do not use contractions. Contractions are not usually used in
formal writing, even though they are very common in Spoken
English. In formal writing, you should spell out contractions.
Examples: cannot instead of can’t, could not instead of couldn’t.
Contractions CAN be used if you are quoting someone’s exact
words in your writing.
Example: Two-thirds of my eight grade students can’t read at
grade level, the professor stated.
Keep in mind that an apostrophe does not always make a
contraction. Apostrophes are also added to nouns to show
ownership. These are used in all language registers, including
formal. Example: children’s classroom.
b. Spell out numbers less than one hundred. Examples:
Nineteen, twenty-two.
c. Write in third person point of view. In formal writing, we usually do
not use first person or second person unless it is a quote. Thus,
avoid using the pronouns I, We, You, Us.
Examples:
Informal: You can purchase a second-hand car for under Php 100,
000.
Formal: One can purchase a second-hand car for under Php 100, 000.
Informal: We decided to invest in the company.
Formal: The group decided to invest in the company.
d. Avoid using too much passive voice. In formal writing, it is better
to use an active voice. For example:
Passive: The bone was eaten by a dog
Active: The dog ate the bone.
e. Avoid using slang, idioms, exaggerations (hyperboles) and clichés.
Slang is common in informal writing and spoken English. Slang is
particular to a certain region or area. Examples of slangs:
awesome/cool; okay/ok
f. Avoid abbreviations and acronyms. If you use an acronym or
abbreviation, write it out the first time. When using acronyms, write
the entire name out the first time it appears, followed by the
acronym. From then on, you can use the acronym by itself.
Department of education (DepEd)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
For abbreviations, write the complete word the first time, then use
the abbreviation.
Examples:
influenza- flu tablespoon- tbsp Philippine Pesos- PhP
Also, do not use slang, abbreviations or symbols that you would use
in friendly emails and texts. Examples: brb (be right back) w/o
(without) & (and)
g. Do not start sentences with words like and, so, but, also. Here are
some good transition words and phrases to use in formal writing:
Nevertheless, additionally, however, in addition, as a result of
h. Always write in complete sentences.
2. Informal Language Register. Informal writing is written in the way we
talk to our friends and family. We use informal writing when we are
writing to someone we know very well. Examples: Personal emails, phone
texts, friendly letters, most blogs, diaries and journals.

3. Neutral Language Register. We use the neutral language register with

non-emotional topics and information. It is not necessary forma or
informal. It is not usually positive or negative. A neutral register is used to
deliver facts. Examples: reviews, some letters, some essays, articles

Knowing which register to use can be challenging for students of English.

Unlike Spanish and other languages, there is no special form of pronoun
expressly for use in formal situations. Culture adds another layer of
complication, especially if you’re not familiar with how people are
expected to behave in certain situations. There are two things you can do
to improve your skills. Look for contextual clues such as vocabulary, use
of examples, and illustrations. Listen for tone of voice. Is the speaker
whispering or yelling? Are they using courtesy titles or addressing people
by name? Look at how they’re standing and consider the words they
choose.