Metalanguage - Constructing Texts (Chapter 2)

Register

The way the addresser alters their language depending on the situation involving all features of language and levels of formality. Can be described using the semantic domain (group of related words) of the text, manner of delivery, technicality or formality.

Tenor

Relationship between communicators, including professional roles, friendship and status. Topic of conversation plays a role in shaping tenor too. Described in term of level of consideration for a person, social distance (intimacy), status, and the attitudes and feelings the language expresses

Audience

Intended listeners or readers that shape the language we choose.

Cultural Context

Attitudes, values and beliefs of addresser and addressee (and society as a whole). E.g. a political party will make slogans and posters that align with their party's goals and ideologies

Situational context

Everything outside the text that shapes the language used. Includes field, tenor, language mode, setting and text type

Field

Subject matter under discussion Closely linked to semantic domain and useful for register. Helps to determine level of specificity of language

Language mode

Form of text (spoken or written). Directly effects structure and register as written texts are traditionally more formal with grammar, conventional spelling, punctuation. This is becoming less common though.

Setting

Surroundings the text occurs in (time, time period and place)

Text type

Type or nature of the text (e.g. textbook, post, video). Message delivered most effectively when it matches the text type. E.g. Argumentative texts use emotive and conative functions

Authorial intent

What the author aims to do or achieve with the text. Closely linked to functions, and it influences language used as well as preparedness. E.g. A debate takes more preparation to have the intended effect (conative, emotive) compared to an argument with a roomate.