Lecture: Varieties of Language and Language Registers

A set of Q&A flashcards covering Varieties of Language, pidgin/creole, dialects, indigenized varieties, language registers, and Kachru's Three Circles of English.

What is Donato's definition of varieties of language?

A distinguishable variant of language that can be differentiated from another language; varieties are distinguished through history, social factors, spatial factors, or a combination.

What is a pidgin?

A simplified language developed to help speakers of different languages communicate with each other.

What was the Chavacano pidgin (early form) used for?

In Spanish colonial times, a simplified Spanish mixed with local Philippine languages for trade and daily interaction between Spaniards and locals.

What is a creole?

A stable, fully-fledged language that develops from a pidgin and becomes the first language of a community.

What is Chavacano de Zamboanga?

A Spanish-based creole spoken in Zamboanga City, now a mother tongue for many residents.

What is a regional dialect?

A distinct language variety spoken in a particular part of the country (e.g., Cebuano-Bisaya of Davao).

What is a minority dialect?

A dialect spoken by a minority group to mark identity (e.g., Kinaray-a in Panay Island alongside Hiligaynon/Ilonggo).

What are indigenized varieties?

English varieties spoken as a second language in multilingual populations; include Singlish and Philippine English with local idioms and code-switching.

What is Singlish?

A Singaporean English variety that differs from standard English due to local usage and phrasing.

What is Philippine English?

English with local idioms, pronunciation, and code-switching (Taglish).

Provide an example of Philippine English.

"Kindly open the light" (influenced by local phrasing from 'Buksan ang ilaw').

What is a language register?

The way the speaker uses language differently depending on the social occasion, context, purpose, and audience.

What are the five distinct registers?

Frozen, Formal, Consultative, Casual, Intimate.

What is Frozen register?

Static language retained for historical or ceremonial purposes (e.g., language used in constitutions, Bible).

What is Formal register?

Used in professional, academic, or legal settings; respectful, restrained, not personal, and often one of the most difficult forms to master.

What is Consultative register?

Used in conversations with someone who has specialized knowledge; tone is respectful and can be casual depending on the relationship (e.g., doctor and patient).

What is Casual register?

Used when talking with friends, family, or colleagues in informal settings.

What is Intimate register?

Reserved for private or special occasions between two close friends or colleagues.

What are the three circles in Kachru's model of World Englishes?

Inner Circle, Outer Circle, Expanding Circle.

Which countries are examples of the Inner Circle?

USA, UK, Canada.

Which countries are examples of the Outer Circle?

Malaysia, Singapore, India, Philippines.

Which countries are examples of the Expanding Circle?

Japan, China, Korea, Norway, Brazil.