Language Registers - Glynn County School District

Language Registers
What is a Register?
 describes
the various styles of language
available for writing or speaking
Language Registers
 Every
Language has 5 language registers
How do you decide which language
register is appropriate to use?
 Deciding
which
language
register is
appropriate
depends on the:
o
Audience
o
Topic
o
Situation
The Universal Rule
A
person can go from one register to the
next register without any conflicts
Five Language Registers
 Static
 Formal
 Consultative
 Casual
 Intimate
Public Voice
 Static
 Formal
 Consultative
Static Register

Also called frozen register

This style of communications
RARELY or NEVER
changes. It is “frozen” in time
and content.
Examples of Static Register






Pledge of Allegiance
Words to a song
Poetry
Prayer
Preamble to the US
Constitution
The Alma Mater
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.
Examples of Formal Register
 Presentations
 Academic
Paper
 Essays in school
 Sermons
 Speeches
 Announcements
 Interviews
Consultative Register
 This
is a standard form of
communications. Users engage in a
mutually accepted structure of
communications.
 Two way communication used in
conversation
 No past experience with that person
 It is professional discourse.
Examples of Consultative Register
 Strangers
who interact
 Adults at work
 Teachers with students
 Talking with lawyer or doctor
 Counselor and client
Casual Register
 This
is informal language used by peers
and friends.
 Past experience with that person
 Slang and colloquialisms are normal. This
is “group” language.
 One must be member to engage in this
register.
Examples of Casual Register
 Talking
with friends
 Personal letter to a friend
 Talk with teammates,
 chats and emails
 Personal blogs
Intimate Register
 This
communications is private.
 Language shared between couples, twins,
very close friends
 It is reserved for close family members or
intimate people.
Examples of Intimate Register
 Finish
each other’s sentences
 Spouses
 Boyfriend and Girlfriend
 Siblings
 Parent and Children
 Very good friends
Private Voice
 Casual
 Intimate

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