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Activity 1 READING PURCOMM PDF

The document discusses language register in English. It explains that register refers to variations in language used in different social settings, with differences in formality, word choice, and use of contractions. For example, more formal settings require standard grammar and vocabulary, while informal settings use contractions and less proper language. Register is defined by use rather than user, as a single person may modify their speech based on context. Recognizing registers is important for effective communication and comprehension between speakers in various situations.

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88 views

Activity 1 READING PURCOMM PDF

The document discusses language register in English. It explains that register refers to variations in language used in different social settings, with differences in formality, word choice, and use of contractions. For example, more formal settings require standard grammar and vocabulary, while informal settings use contractions and less proper language. Register is defined by use rather than user, as a single person may modify their speech based on context. Recognizing registers is important for effective communication and comprehension between speakers in various situations.

Uploaded by

Shilla Mae Balance
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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«It ain’t right, innit?

»
– About language register in English
by SHIAR YOUSSEF
What is the difference between saying «it ain’ righ’!» (dropping your Ts at the end of words)
and «that is not right!»? Or between «innit?» and «isn’t it?»?

There is no difference in meaning. Both mean exactly the same thing. The only difference is in
the level of formality and ‘properness’.

Linguists call this the language register, sometimes also referred to as tenor, tone or style.

Put simply, a register is a variety of a language used in a particular social setting, using certain
words, phrases and contractions that are not normally used in other settings (or if they did,
they may sound strange or out of place).

For example, when speaking in a formal setting, an English speaker is more likely to use
features of prescribed grammar, like pronouncing words ending in -ing with a velar nasal
instead of an alveolar nasal (e.g. «walking», not «walkin’»). Or she or he may choose more
formal words (e.g. father vs. dad, child vs. kid, and so on). She or he would also usually refrain
from using contractions like «ain’t».

It may sound intuitive but the differences between how one may talk on the street, with
friends, during a job interview or when writing formal letters and emails are amazing, even
though it is the same person speaking.

This is why a register is a language variation defined by use, not user. The same person may use
more than one register depending on the context or social setting.

Indeed, the term «register» was first used by the linguist Thomas Bertram Reid in 1956, and
popuarised in the 1960s by a group of linguists who wanted to distinguish between language
variations according to the user («defined by variables like social background, geography, sex
and age») and variations according to how and when the language is being used («in the sense
that each speaker has a range of varieties and choices between them at different times»).

Register should therefore be distinguished from other, identity-based types of language


variation, such as regional and age dialects, even though it often overlaps with them. It should
also be distinguished from jargon, which is technical terminology used for a special activity or
by a special group, such as computer geeks, scientists, lawyers and so on.

This study source was downloaded by 100000859970593 from CourseHero.com on 02-01-2023 08:36:56 GMT -06:00

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One of the most analysed areas where the use of language is determined by the situation is the
formality scale. The term «register» is often used as shorthand for formal/informal styles. But
many would argue that this is a simplistic definition, because register is about more than just
formality, as we have already said.

In one prominent model, Martin Joos (1961) describes five styles in spoken English: frozen or
static register, formal, consultative or participatory, casual and intimate.

Foreign speakers may find it difficult – especially if they are beginners – to switch between
registers. This is called «code-switching» in linguistics. That is why they may sometimes sound
like TV presenters or politicians (i.e. very formal), even when speaking to close friends. Or they
may sound too informal, even rude, without intending to.

The only solution to this is to familiarise yourself with the social and cultural associations of
words and expressions – which is the basis of language registers. Reading and listening to
popular culture, interacting with native speakers and so on.

And getting the register right will certainly get you higher marks in oral language tests such
Toefl or IELTS!

Reflect
What is the main point of the article? What is register in language? Why is it important to be
able to recognize these language varieties and registers?
The main point of the article is the introduction of registers in language, they are examples of contractions that are use in specified type of communication, least used in formal
communication and mainly used in informal communication, recognizing these registers will introduce us to new ways some words are being contracted in order to form shorter

word forms, and even recognize those words that are being contracted and will help us to further choose our words when we enter formal communication.

This study source was downloaded by 100000859970593 from CourseHero.com on 02-01-2023 08:36:56 GMT -06:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/88586635/Activity-1-READING-PURCOMM-convertedpdf/
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