Varieties, Registers, and Text Types in Language Studies

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on language varieties, registers, circles of English, and common text types.

Pidgin

A simplified language that develops as a means of communication between speakers of different native languages, often for trade or work.

Creole

A stable, fully developed language that evolves from a pidgin when it becomes the first language of a community.

Regional Dialect

A variety of a language spoken in a specific geographic area, with distinct pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

Minority Dialect

A dialect spoken by a smaller or marginalized group within a larger linguistic community.

Indigenized Varieties

A version of a colonial or global language adapted to fit local cultural and linguistic contexts.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

Preserve information for future reference, legal purposes, and historical records.

Communication

Convey messages, share information, and connect people.

Education and Instruction

Impart knowledge, provide guidelines, and educate individuals.

Expression and Creativity

Express thoughts, emotions, and creativity.

Persuasion and Influence

Persuade or influence others through arguments, advertisements, etc.

Cultural Preservation

Preserve and transmit cultural heritage, traditions, and stories.

Frozen Register

A highly formal, ritualized style used in fixed expressions and ceremonial contexts.

Formal Register

A formal, careful style used in official or academic contexts.

Consultative Register

A moderately formal style used in professional or semi-formal conversations.

Casual Register

Informal everyday speech among friends and colleagues.

Intimate Register

Private language used in close relationships; informal and personal.

Inner Circle

Countries where English is the native and primary language of the majority (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand).

Outer Circle

Countries where English is not native but has an official or significant role due to historical colonization (e.g., India, Nigeria, Philippines, Singapore, Pakistan).

Expanding Circle

Countries where English is not official but is taught as a foreign language and used for international communication (e.g., China, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Saudi Arabia).

Narrative Texts

Texts that include characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution; follow chronological order; use descriptive language and dialogue.

Descriptive Texts

Texts that use sensory details for vivid imagery; focus on characteristics; organized spatially, by importance, or by category.

Expository Texts

Presents information clearly and logically; uses headings, subheadings, bullet points; includes definitions, examples, statistics, comparisons.

Persuasive Texts

Presents arguments and evidence; uses rhetorical devices; addresses and refutes counterarguments.

Argumentative Texts

States a thesis or main claim; provides evidence and reasoning; considers opposing viewpoints.

Procedural/Instructional Texts

Presents steps clearly and logically; uses imperative verbs and specific language; includes diagrams, images, illustrations.

Informative Texts

Presents factual information without bias; organized logically with headings and subheadings; includes charts, graphs, tables.