SAMMY’S PRIVATE CAPE TUTORING
REGISTERS – MODULE 2- COMMUNICATION STUDIES
A register refers to the degree of formality or informality in which a language is spoken
Factors that affect the register used.
The major factors that will influence the choice of register may include:
1. The audience
2. The subject matter
3. The speaker’s or writer’s attitude
4. The context of communication
5. The medium or channel
Audience
When the speaker or writer is conceptualizing, they must be aware of certain demographic features
of the audience such as: the age, literacy levels (cognitive levels) , social status, religion,
sex/gender, race among others.
The subject matter
The nature of the message will determine what type of register is used: example; comedy would
require a casual register whereas, important issues will require a formal register
The speaker’s or the writer’s attitude
Depending on the emotions of the writer or speaker a particular register is used
The context of the communication
The physical as well as social relationship will determine the choice of registers.
The medium or channel
● This deals with the way in which a message must reach the audience. If the message is
formal, then a formal register must be used example, official letter, memo
● However , if it is a message between friends or couples then a voice note(or sticker) may
be used
DIFFERENT TYPES OF REGISTERS
1. Formal register
● This type of register is also called academic register and is used for formal settings
such as: lectures, seminars
● A formal register will follow the grammar rules of standard english
● There is clear pronunciations of words(phonics)
● The context must be formal or academic
2. Frozen register
● Usually this type of register is not expected to change immediately
SAMMY’S PRIVATE CAPE TUTORING
REGISTERS – MODULE 2- COMMUNICATION STUDIES
3. Casual register
● This register is used among friends or close associates
● Slangs are often used
● The syntax of standard english is not followed
● Informal
● Phonics of standard english are not adhered to
4. Intimate register
● This type of register may be used by persons who may be in an intimate or romantic
relationship
● Intimate register are characterised by the following:
1. Private vocabulary
2.Stress on the paralanguage
5. Consultative registers
● This is used when giving advice to another person
● Code switching is allowed
● Sometimes slangs are involved depending on the participants
6. Private register
This happens when people talk to themselves (self-talk)