Module 3: Varieties and Registers of Spoken and Written Language

Language Register

• refers to the scale of formality we use when writing and speaking

• Registers can be used depending on the situation and the people we encounter.

• Different people and different situations require appropriate varieties and registers to show the level of formality and informality of language used. Used to show respect, interest, comfort, and professionalism.

• Sometimes referred to as address registers.

• A level and a tool for developing a style, especially in dialogue, to give characters a consistent voice using natural language.

Face-to-face conversation

• described as multimodal or allows shifting between registers.

• consider the other person’s status, position, or way of life.

Written

• Commonly uses formal register.

• Emphasizes sentence construction, grammar correctness, and word appropriateness. 

Permanence

• Students often think that writing is final, unchangeable, and to be completed in one session. This results in writing that comes to mind without revisions.

Production Time

• Students may prioritize deadlines over the content quality. This results in underdeveloped written work and minimal improvement.

Distance

• Students must know the audience of their output before writing to form a relationship with the audience’s anticipation using their work. 

Complexity

• Refers to whether students use simple or complex sentences. Additionally, states that students should provide references to support their academic writing. 

Vocabulary

• Reflects the word richness and vocabulary development of the students.

Formality

• A complex convention for academic writing (describe, explain, compare, criticize, argue, etc.) that requires formal and polite language. Additionally, it must have a consistent font and size while following the guidelines. (e.g, APA style, MLA.

Characteristics of Spoken Language

• Variation in Speed

• Loudness or Quieteness

• Gestures

• Intonation

• Stress

• Rhythm 

• Pitch Range

High Formal

• Used in spoken English on formal occasions, legal correspondence, proceedings, and court proceedings.

Formal

• Sometimes referred to as the consultative register, such as talking to your doctor.

Neutral

• A conventional level used in transactional situations, such as, business plans, marketing presentations, or public speaking to clients.

Informal

• Also referred to as a casual register that is used to speak to or write emails and messages to friends, family, or work colleagues.

Vulgar

• Not the language of an obscene joke, instead, and intimate register used when talking to immediate or close family members or very close friends.

Frozen / Static Register

• is a fixed and unchanging form of language used in biblical quotations. oaths of office, prayers, or a pledge of allegiance.

Formal

• used in school, workplaces, speeches, or when talking to someone with authority. Sentences are complete, polite, and carefully structed.

Informal

• used with friends, family, or in casual talks. Words are shorter, sentences may be incomplete, and slang or shortcuts are common. 

Vocabulary

• Refers to the formality of word choice.

• Formal : Longer and more formal vocabulary

• Informal: Shorter and simpler vocabulary

Punctuation

• The use of contractions and abbreviations, both in writing and speaking. 

• Formal: avoids contractions and abbreviations

• Informal: commonly uses contractions and abbreviations

Grammar

• A set of rules in creating sentences.

• Formal: favors passive voice, noun phrases, and indirect questions

• Informal: uses active voice, direct questions, and question tags

British English

• The form of English used in the United Kingdom, rooted in Anglo-Frisian origins and known for traditional spellings like colour and cheque.

American English

• The de facto national language of the United States, marked by simplified spellings like color and check.

Australian English

• A national variety that diverged from British English, featuring British spellings and distinct slang. 

Canadian English

• A blend of British spelling and American vocabulary, shaped by waves of immigration and settlement over the past two centuries.

Indian English

• An association to colonialism that become an association with economic progress, blending British English structure with local accents, idioms, and cultural influences.

Philippine English

• An American-influenced variety of English, officially used in education, government, and media in the Philippines.