COMMUNICATIVE

STYLES
Intimate, Casual, Conversational,
Consultative, Frozen Conversation
Consider this situation: A student received academic recognition
from the school. How do you think a supportive parent would
speak to the child? Would others, such as a friend or a teacher,
speak to the child in the same manner? Copy and use the table
below to create possible dialogues between the following:
student-parent, student-friend, and student-teacher. Brainstorm
on what each one would say to the student. Work with a partner.
Based from the previous activity, answer the
following questions.
1. What is the degree of formality in each
conversation? Place a check mark on the
column which corresponds to your answer.

2. How does our relationship with others

influence the way we communicate with them?
Language register is the level of formality with which
you speak. Different situations and people call for
different registers. These are the different language
registers according to Joo (1967).

• Frozen or Static
• Formal
• Consultative
• Casual
• Intimate
Frozen or Static
At this level, language is literally “frozen” in
time and form. It does not change. This
type of language is often learned and
repeated by rote. Examples are biblical
verse, prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance,
and others.
Formal
This style is impersonal and often follows a
prescriptive format. The speaker uses complete
sentences, avoids slang and may use technical
or academic vocabulary. This is the register
used for most academic and scientific
publishing. This is the standard for work, school,
and business.
Consultative
This is the register used when
consulting an expert such as a doctor.
The language used is more precise.
The speaker is likely to address the
expert by a title such as “Doctor”, “Mr.”
or “Mrs.”.
Casual
This register is conversational in tone. It is
the language used among and between
friends. Words are general, rather than
technical. This register may include more
slang and colloquialisms.
Intimate
The language used by lovers. It is also the
language used in sexual harassment. This
is the most intimate form of language. It is
best avoided in public and professional
situations.
The class will be divided into five groups.
Each group will be assigned with a language
register. They are to create a script about a
conversation that depicts the language
register assigned to them.
Directions: Write the letter of the communicative style
appropriate to the given situation in each item.
A. Casual B. Consultative C. Formal D. Intimate
___ 1. Group of young boys virtually planning for
weekend escapade
___ 2. Fanatics sharing their mutual experience on the
Korean soap opera
___ 3. Contestants giving their respective oratorical
speeches
___ 4. The journalists interviewing the presidential
spokesperson
___ 5. Class adviser orienting students of the classroom
rules and routines