Varieties of Spoken and Written Language

Language Varieties

• Language Variety: Different forms of a language influenced by factors such as region, social group, or context.
  • Examples: Dialects, sociolects, idiolects, pidgins, creoles.

Written Language

• Characteristics: Formal, structured, and permanent; used for official communication, academic texts, literature, etc.

Functions of Written Language

1. Communicative: Conveys ideas and information.
2. Informative: Provides facts and knowledge.
3. Aesthetic: Expresses creativity (e.g., poetry, stories).
4. Directive: Instructs or commands.

Distinction Between Spoken and Written Language

Registers in Spoken and Written Language

• Register: Level of formality/style of language based on context, audience, purpose, and medium.

Spoken Registers

1. Frozen Register: Very formal, unchanging (e.g., pledges, religious rituals).
2. Formal Register: Used in speeches, lectures, official settings.
3. Consultative Register: Two-way communication (e.g., doctor-patient).
4. Casual Register: Informal, among friends.
5. Intimate Register: Private communication (e.g., family, partners).

Written Registers

1. Formal Register: Academic papers, legal documents, business letters.
2. Informal Register: Personal emails, blog posts, casual social media.
3. Neutral Register: Objective and straightforward (e.g., news articles).

Variety of Written Registers (Examples)

World Englishes in Multicultural Settings

• World Englishes: Various forms of English influenced by local languages and cultures.
• Philippine English: Specific variety with local influence.

Linguistic Features of Philippine English

• Pronunciation: Often non-rhotic (e.g., "car" sounds like "kah").
• Vocabulary: Unique terms (e.g., "comfort room" for bathroom).
• Grammar: Distinct usage patterns (e.g., using future forms differently).
• Code-switching: Frequent switching between English and Filipino (e.g., Taglish).

Varieties of Philippine Englishes

• Differences based on region, education, and exposure (e.g., Cebuano vs. Tagalog speakers).

Different Text Types in Writing

Factual Text Type

• Purpose: To inform or explain.
• Examples: News articles, manuals.
• Features: Third-person point of view, neutral tone, factual information.

Persuasive Text Type

• Purpose: To convince the reader of an opinion.
• Examples: Editorials, advertisements.
• Features: Emotional appeals, strong opinions, rhetorical questions.

Types of Literary Texts

1. Narrative: Short stories, novels.
2. Poetry: Expressive and rhythmic writing.
3. Drama:works suited for performance.
4. Myths/Fables: Cultural stories with morals.

Quick Tip for Exam:

• Inform = factual
• Convince = persuasive
• Entertain/Express = literary

Textual Literacy in Multicultural Settings

• Textual Literacy: Ability to understand, analyze, and create written texts in diverse contexts.

Metacognitive Strategies in Reading Texts

• Metacognition: Thinking about one's own thinking.

1. Previewing: Skimming text initially.
2. Predicting: Guessing text content.
3. Monitoring: Asking, "Do I understand this?"
4. Rereading: Clarifying ideas.
5. Summarizing: Condensing key points.
6. Questioning: Deepening understanding through inquiry.

Text Comprehension Strategies

1. Making Inferences: Reading between the lines.
2. Visualizing: Creating mental images.
3. Identifying Main Ideas: Picking out key points.
4. Clarifying Vocabulary: Using clues for unfamiliar words.
5. Connecting: Relating text to personal experiences.

Overview of Public Speaking

• Public Speaking: Delivering purposeful messages to an audience (to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire).

7 Elements of Speech Delivery

1. Speaker: The one delivering the message.
2. Message: The content communicated.
3. Channel: Means of delivery (face-to-face, video).
4. Listener: The audience.
5. Feedback: Audience reactions.
6. Interference/Noise: Disruptions to the message.
7. Situation: Context of the speech.

Types of Presentations

1. Informative: Teaching or explaining.
2. Persuasive: Convincing.
3. Entertaining: Amusing the audience.
4. Inspirational: Motivating.

Creating Business Presentations

• Objective: Clearly define the presentation goal.
• Supporting Materials: Include facts, examples, visuals, and stories to enhance engagement.

Writing and Delivering Business Presentations

Academic vs. Workplace Writing

Key Features of Academic Papers

• Clarity and Objectivity: Avoid bias.
• Evidence-based: Data and studies support claims.
• Proper Structure: Follows formats like essays and research papers.
• Source Integration: Use citations and paraphrasing.

Searching Information for Contextualized Writing

Library Sources

• OPAC: Search system for finding library books.
• Classification Systems: Organize books by subjects (Library of Congress, Dewey Decimal).

Internet Sources

• Use reliable (educational, government, scholarly) websites and effective search keywords.

Annotating Information

• Annotation: Marking text for better understanding.
• Types of Notes: Note-taking, double-entry journals, annotated bibliographies.

Citing Information in Writing

• Why Cite: Avoid plagiarism and give credit.
• Common Citation Styles: APA, MLA, Chicago.

Extended Definition Essays

Features:

1. Clear definition of the term.
2. In-depth explanation with examples.
3. Logical organization.

Outline for Extended Definition Essay

• I. Introduction: Introduce topic and thesis.
• II. Body: Include origin, interpretations, examples.
• III. Conclusion: Restate key points.

IMRAD Format of Research Papers

1. Introduction: Topic and research question.
2. Methodology: Research description.
3. Results: Presentation of findings.
4. Discussion: Interpret findings.

Business Letters

Definition

• Formal communication in the workplace.

Types of Business Letters

1. Inquiry
2. Complaint
3. Application
4. Order
5. Follow-up

Standard Format

1. Sender’s information
2. Date
3. Receiver’s information
4. Salutation
5. Body (Introduction, message, conclusion)
6. Closing
7. Signature

Important Notes:

• The essence of practice in presentations fosters confidence and clarity.
• Academic writing emphasizes clarity, evidence, and ethical communication.