Speech Styles - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to speech styles, factors affecting style, and features of intimate and casual speech.

Speech style

A particular way of speaking used in interaction with others; signals formality level and varies with audience, topic, purpose, and location.

Language registers

Another term for speech styles; different levels of formality in language across contexts.

Martin Joos

Dutch linguist who identified five types of speech style (The Five Clocks).

The Five Clocks

Five types of speech styles: Intimate, Casual, Consultative, Formal, Frozen.

Intimate speech style

Characterized by absence of social inhibitions; used by people with close relationships; private vocabulary and inside jokes are common.

Casual speech style

Relaxed, informal dialogue among friends, peers, or family; includes slang, contractions, group language, interruptions, and nicknames.

Consultative speech style

Semi-formal, two-way exchange used in professional or advisory contexts; more formal than casual but less than formal style.

Formal speech style

Structured, impersonal style used in official or ceremonial contexts with careful grammar and vocabulary.

Frozen speech style

Ritualized, highly formal style used in ceremonial phrases or set speeches; little interactive variation.

Audience

The person or people you are speaking to; their relationship to you influences which speech style you use.

Topic

The subject of the conversation; helps determine the appropriate level of formality.

Purpose

The objective of the communication; what you and others aim to achieve.

Location

Where the communication takes place; the setting or environment that affects the interaction.

Nonverbal cues

Gestures, facial expressions, and body language that convey meaning, especially in intimate styles.

Private vocabulary

A vocabulary shared only among people with a close relationship; signs of intimacy.

Inside jokes

Jokes known only to participants in a close relationship; signal intimacy.

Short, incomplete utterances

Concise or fragmentary sentences common in intimate style.

Grammar and word choice

In intimate style, strict grammar and formal word choice are not emphasized.

Absence of social inhibitions

A lack of restraint in expressing oneself, typical of intimate speech.

Group language

Terms and phrases understood within a specific social group; common in casual speech.

Slang

Informal, often regionally or culturally specific words used in casual speech.

Elliptical sentences

Sentences that are incomplete or trailing, common in casual or intimate talk.

Contractions

Informal shortened forms of words used in casual speech.

Interruptions

Frequent interjections or overlaps in casual conversations.

Nicknames

Casual terms of address used to signal familiarity or group belonging.

Relationship

The closeness or nature of the relationship between speakers; influences the chosen speech style.

Social context

The broader environment and situation surrounding the communication, including location and audience.