Language Variation: Register; A better idea of Language Variation.ppt by Jahangir; Jagannath University Bangladesh

1. Name: Md. Jahangir Alam
ID:M190102942 ( 9th batch)
Jagannath University
Topic- Language Variation: Register

2. Background of Language Register
 The term ‘Register’ was originated by Thomas Bertram Reid in 1956.
In the 1960s introduced by the group of linguists who wanted to
distinguished between variations in language according to the user and
variations according to use.
 A register is a variety of language used for particular purpose or in a
particular social setting. It can simply be described as variations of the
language according to its use, while the dialect as a language variation
based on users’ registers on this concept is not limited to the choice of
words but also includes the choice of use of text structure and texture.
 For example- English Journalist

3. Language Variation: Register
 According to Halliday, language differs in different situations. The type of
language which is selected as appropriated to the type of situation is register.
 Halliday (1964) identifies three variables that determine register-
I. Field of discourse (the subject matter of the discourse, Exp- Technical or
non-technical)
II. Tenor of discourse (the participants and their relationship, Exp- Political
speech, cooking recipe)
III. Mode of discourse (the means of communication, Exp- Spoken or
written)

4.  Registers are characterized by vocabulary differences either by
the use of particular words or by the use of words in particular
kind of language being produced by the social situation, other
factors connected to the situation in which language is being used
over and above occupation will also have linguistic effect.
 Factor effecting Register use:
1. Whether written or spoken as informal or formal.
2. Literal variety and colloquial variety.
3. Kind of subject matter, physical and occasions of language
activity.

5. Functions of Register:
 There is a strong tendency among individuals and co-communicators to
develop register variation along to develop register variation along many
dimensions.
 One person can control variety of registers.
 Each register help me one express his identity at specific time and place.
 According to Bloomfield (1972) Article on variety of speech provides a
sufficient experience, “you may be judge to speak better or worst that
another speaker who have the same background as you”

6.  There seems to be some subtle bias into the way people tend to judge
dialects, sometimes not always people tend to exhibit preferences for
rural dialect over urban ones.
 According to Bloomfield’s words (1927), Sometimes the notion of
better and worse solidity into those of correctness and incorrectness.

7. Categories of Registers
 Register can be separated into four categories:
 FAMILIAR,
 INFORMAL,
 FORMAL and
 CEREMONIAL.
The following will explain each category and provide a
corresponding example.

8. Language Registers
 There are five language registers or styles. Each level has an
appropriate use that is determined by differing situations. It would
certainly be inappropriate to use language and vocabulary reserve
for a boyfriend or girlfriend when speaking in the classroom.
Thus the appropriate language register depends upon the audience
(who), the topic (what), purpose (why) and location (where).
 we must control the use of language registers in order to enjoy
success in every aspect and situation we encounter.

9. Static Register
 This style of communications RARELY or NEVER changes. It is
“frozen” in time and content. E.g. the Pledge of Allegiance, the Lord’s
Prayer, the Preamble to the US Constitution, the Alma Mater, a
bibliographic reference, laws.
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. E.g. sermons, rhetorical statements and questions, speeches,
pronouncements made by judges, announcements.

10. Consultative Register
 This is a standard form of communications. Users engage in a mutually
accepted structure of communications. It is formal and societal
expectations accompany the users of this speech. It is professional
discourse. E.g. when strangers meet, communications between a
superior and a subordinate, doctor & patient, lawyer & client, lawyer &
judge, teacher & student, counselor & client,

11. Casual Register
 This is informal language used by peers and friends. Slang, vulgarities
and colloquialisms are normal. This is “group” language. One must be
member to engage in this register. E.g. buddies, teammates, chats and
emails, and blogs, and letters to friends.
Intimate Register
 This communications is private. It is reserved for close family members
or intimate people. E.g. husband & wife, boyfriend & girlfriend, siblings,
parent & children.

12. ‘Register’ as a language variety differs from dialect_ sociolect
and idiolect.
Here is the difference between Register and Dialect:
Register Dialect
Register is a language variety according to use Dialect is language variety according to user
It may be related to any particular profession or
situation
It may be related to any region or social class
It shows what the user of language is doing. It shows who the user is.
Register is a set of particular linguistic items to be
used in a particular situation
Dialect is a set of linguistic items to be used by people
of particular area or class.

13.  Conclusion
In linguistic, the register is defined as the way a speaker uses language differently in different
circumstances.
Registers 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.'
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.

14. Thank You