Purcomm (Registers and Varieties)

Varieties of English

Varieties of English

refer to the different kinds of English used around the world based on geographical locations. There are over a hundred varieties of the English language

lexical level

which means that the difference lies on the vocabulary or words

REGISTER

bound to a particular discursive situation, which means that when we observe a language activity in the various contexts in which it takes place, we find differences in the type of language selected as appropriate to different types of situation.

registers

is described as a variety according to use in the sense that each speaker has a range of varieties and chooses between them at different times. Register refers to the level of formality of the speech.

FORMAL REGISTER

is appropriate in professional and business writing.

INFORMAL REGISTER

is the way we talk to our friends and family.

NEUTRAL REGISTER

not specifically formal or informal, positive or negative. It is used with non-emotional topics and information.

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REGISTERS

SPEECH STYLES

The context dictates and affects the way people communicate, which results in various speech styles.

Frozen Register

Is fixed, static, ritualistic and may even be archaic

Formal Register

Standard academic one way communication Used only for imparting information Well organized, correct in grammar and diction

Consultative Register

Standard academic two-way communication Usually polite and courteous Interruptions can occur Requires more formality in terms of language, manner of speaking, and gestures

Casual Register

Nonstandard one communication way and two way Slang, vulgarities, colloquialisms, incomplete sentences and unfinished thoughts Informal, conversational