Varieties and Registers of Spoken and Written Language
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson the learner should be able to:
1. convey ideas through oral, audio-visual, and/or web-based presentations for different target
audiences in local and global settings using appropriate registers;
2. create clear, coherent, and effective communication materials;
3. present ideas persuasively using appropriate language registers, tone, facial expressions, and
gestures.
Language Varieties
In sociolinguistics, language variety—also called lect—is a general term for any
distinctive form of a language or linguistic expression. Linguists commonly use language
variety (or simply variety) as a cover term for any of the overlapping subcategories of a
language, including dialect, register, jargon, and idiolect.
To understand the meaning of language varieties, it's important to consider how lects
differ from standard English. Even what constitutes standard English is a topic of hot debate
among linguists. Standard English is a controversial term for a form of the English language that
is written and spoken by educated users. For some linguists, standard English is a synonym
for good or correct English usage. Others use the term to refer to a specific
geographical dialect of English or a dialect favored by the most powerful and prestigious social
group.
Varieties of language develop for a number of reasons: differences can come about for
geographical reasons; people who live in different geographic areas often develop distinct
dialects—variations of standard English. Those who belong to a specific group, often academic
or professional, tend to adopt jargon that is known to and understood by only members of that
select group. Even individuals develop idiolects, their own specific ways of speaking.
Dialect
The word dialect – which contains “lect” within the term – derives from the Greek word
dia- meaning “across, between” and legein “speak”. A dialect is a regional or social variety of a
language distinguished by pronunciation, grammar, and/or vocabulary. The term dialect is often
used to characterize a way of speaking that differs from the standard variety of the language.
Register
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 chatting with a friend than you would at a formal dinner
party or during a job interview. These variations in formality, also called stylistic variation, are
known as registers in linguistics.
They are determined by such factors as social occasion, context, purpose, and audience.
Registers are marked by a variety of specialized vocabulary and turns of phrases, colloquialisms,
the use of jargon, and a difference in intonation and pace.
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 very intimate.
You don't even need to use an actual word to communicate effectively. A huff of exasperation
during a debate or a grin while signing "hello" speaks volumes.
Jargon
Jargon refers to the specialized language of a professional or occupational group. Such
language is often meaningless to outsiders. In other words, jargon is a faux method of creating a
sort of dialect that only those on this inside group can understand.
Jargon has social implications similar to dialect prejudice but in reverse: It is a way of
making those who understand this particular variety of language more erudite and learned; those
who are members of the group that understands the particular jargon are considered smart, while
those on the outside are simply not bright enough to comprehend this kind of language.
Types of Lects
In addition to the distinctions discussed previously, different types of lects also echo the
types of language varieties:
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Regional dialect: A variety spoken in a particular region.
Sociolect: Also known as a social dialect, a variety of language (or register) used by a
socioeconomic class, a profession, an age group, or any other social group.
Ethnolect: A lect spoken by a specific ethnic group. For example, Ebonics, the
vernacular spoken by some African-Americans, is a type of ethnolect, notes e2f, a languagetranslation firm.
Idiolect: According to e2f, the language or languages spoken by each individual. For
example, if you are multilingual and can speak in different registers and styles, your idiolect
comprises several languages, each with multiple registers and styles.
The language varieties, or lects, that people speak often serve as the basis for judgment, and
even exclusion, from certain social groups, professions, and business organizations. As you study
language varieties, keep in mind that they are often based on judgments one group is making in
regard to another.
Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/language-variety-sociolinguistics-1691100
Why is it important to use appropriate varieties and registers of language in a certain
communication context?
Language varies from one location to another, from one culture to another and from one
situation to another. We use different varieties and registers of language to suit different
communication context. In writing, we need to use specialized features of words to clearly
convey the message. It is now the responsibility of reader or the receiver on how he/she will
interpret the message. This is not possible when it comes to speaking. The receiver can easily
understand the message through the speaker’s level of voice, facial expression and body
language. Therefore, varieties and registers of language is about appropriateness and context in
speaking and grammatical correctness of words in writing. It is also important to use appropriate
varieties and registers of language in a certain communication context in order for us to
determine the level of ‘formality’. We can now easily know on how we are going to approach
and deal with a certain person in a certain situation with a certain purpose with the correct
expression and correct manner. Like for instance, you would not speak to your professor the
same you would talk to your classmate. “Hey men! Wazzup?”, you said to your classmate but
when it comes to your professor “Good morning Sir, how’s your day?”, which means that there
is proper etiquette when you’re dealing with a certain person on his/her status in the society. In
short, “Right words at the right time to the right person with the right reason.”
Language Register
Language register is the level and style of your speaking or writing. It should be appropriate
for the situation you are in. The language register determines the vocabulary, structure, and some
grammar in your writing. We use different language registers for different types of writing, just
as we speak differently to different people. For example, you would not speak to the President
of the United States the same way you talk to your brothers.
To your brother: What's up? It's awesome that you came to visit!
To the President: Good morning, Mr. President. We appreciate your visit.
There are five types of English register we use in writing and speaking. We use them to
maintain a consistently appropriate register in different aspects of our daily life. However, there
is a sixth register that we rarely use.
1. The high formal is the level of language that you would use in spoken English on formal
occasions to address the Queen, an archbishop, president, or prime minister. It is also often
used in legal correspondence, proceedings, and especially in a court of law.
2. The formal register is more appropriate for professional writing and letters to a boss or a
stranger. You would use formal language when you speak or write to your boss, a client, or
in a transactional letter. The formal language definition is sometimes called the consultative
register. You use it when, for example, you are referring to or talking to your doctor and
using the polite address of Dr.
3. The informal register (also called casual or intimate) is conversational and appropriate when
writing to friends and people you know very well. You use informal or casual register when
you speak to or write emails and messages to friends, family, or work colleagues.
4. The neutral register is non-emotional and sticks to facts. It is most appropriate for technical
writings. It is the formal or conventional language level you would use in transactional
situations. These could include business letters, report writing, business plans, marketing
presentations, or speaking to a client. It often uses the passive voice to avoid attribution,
fault, or responsibility.
5. The intimate register is referring to the type of language we use when we talk to immediate
or close family members, very close friends, a child, or a family pet.
6. The frozen or static register is the language use that remains unchanged due to custom or
etiquette, particularly in printed or often repeated form. Examples of the frozen register
include biblical quotations, oaths of office, prayers, or a pledge of allegiance.
In articles such as these, we tend to mix the formal and informal registers to present the
information in an easy to understand and personal tone.
Let's look closely at the three most common language registers used in the English language.
Formal Language Register in Writing
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 written in formal English including:
Business Letters
Letters of complaint
Some essays
Reports
Professional emails
Official speeches
Announcements
There are many rules for writing in formal writing. We will discuss some of the most
common rules here. When in doubt, you may check the rules in an APA style guide.
Rules in Formal Writing
1. Do not use contractions.
Contractions are not usually used in formal writing, even though they are very common
in spoken English. For examples, instead of writing can’t, haven’t, won’t, couldn’t, isn’t; you
should write them completely like cannot, have not, will not, could not, is not. Though, there are
some exceptions. For example:
“Two-thirds of my eighth grade students can’t read at grade level,” the professor stated.
Explanation: Contractions can be used if you are quoting someone’s exact words in your
writing. 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. For examples, children’s classroom, professor’s report, elephant’s
trunk, etc.
2. Spell out numbers less than one hundred.
For example, write nineteen, twenty-two, seventy-eight, six; instead of 19, 22, 27, 6.
3. 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.
Avoid using I, you, we, us.
Examples:
Improper: You can purchase a car for under $10,000.
Proper: One can purchase a car for under $10,000.
Proper: A car can be purchased for under $10,000.
Improper: You will probably see an elephant on an African safari.
Proper: One may see elephants on an African safari.
Proper: Elephants are a common sight on African safaris.
Improper: We decided to invest in the company.
Proper: The group decided to invest in the company.
4. Avoid using too much passive voice.
In formal writing, it is recommended to use an active voice.
Passive: The bone was eaten by the dog.
Active: The dog ate the bone.
Passive: The research was completed by the students in 2009.
Active: The students completed the research in 2009.
Active: In 2009, the students completed the research.
5. Avoid using slang, idioms, exaggeration (hyperboles) and clichés
Slang is common in informal writing and spoken English. It is a type of language that consists of
words and phrases that are regarded as very informal, are more common in speech than writing,
and are typically restricted to a particular context or group of people. Slang is particular to a
certain region or area. For examples, awesome/cool, okay/ok, check it out, in a nutshell.
A cliché is a phrase that is overused (said too often).
Common clichés:
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too much of a good thing
moment of truth
Time is money.
Don’t push your luck.
Beauty is only skin deep.
6. 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. For examples:
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Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Department of Education (DepEd)
For abbreviations, write the complete word the first time, then use the abbreviation. For
examples: influenza = flu, United States of America = U.S.A or USA, tablespoon = etc.
Do not use slang abbreviations or symbols that you would use in friendly emails and texts.
For examples: LOL (laugh out loud), ttyl (talk to you later), &, b/c (because), w/o (without), w/
(with), etc.
7. 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
Although
8. Always write in complete sentences.
9. Write longer, more complex sentences.
Source: https://www.really-learn-english.com/language-register.html