Hello, my lovely readers out there!
How are you doing? Is your studying going as planned? Did I see you shaking your head? Well, neither is mine. That is why today’s post is going to be about the different use of language, the register. Since I am currently studying this topic I thought I might as well write a post about it and combine these two tasks.
There are unwritten rules, called ‘register use’, that are followed when speaking English whether with your friends, in discussions at work or with strangers. With the use of registers, you can communicate efficiently. Thus, incorrect register use can cause problems in your everyday life, cause people to treat you differently, or it can send the wrong message. Correct register use is very difficult for many ESL learners. In German, French or Italian e.g. formality can be expressed with the formal or informal ‘you’ (du - Sie, tu - Vous, tu - Lei), but in English register is an essential factor when expressing grades of formality.
This input focuses on different situations and the correct register used in various situations. All of you who are also currently studying this topic, maybe this will help you. To begin with, let's have a look at some example conversations.
Examples of correct register use:
(wife to husband)
- Hi honey, how was your day?
- Not so good. We have a big project that’s due in one week. How was your day?
- Fine, but stressful. Let’s go blow off some steam in the gym!
- Yeah, I could use that.
(friend to friend)
- Hi Peter, can you give me a hand?
- Sure Peter. What's up?
- I can't get this to work.
- Why don't you try to use a screwdriver?
(subordinate to superior - at work)
- Good Morning, Mr. Jones, may I ask you a question?
- Certainly, how can I help you?
(superior to subordinate - at work)
- Excuse me Peter; I seem to be having a problem with the file you sent me. We'd better get together to discuss it.
- That’s all right, Mr. Jones, would 2 o'clock suit you?
(speaking to a stranger)
- Pardon me. Do you think you could give me the time?
- Certainly, it's nine o’clock.
- Thank you.
- Not at all.
As the relationship becomes more formal it also becomes less personal, without most emotions. In my examples above I tried to make the difference between appropriate and inappropriate register use in everyday life situations visible.
Examples of incorrect register use by Kenneth Beare:
(Wife to Husband)
- Hello, how are you today?
- I'm fine. Would you mind passing me the bread?
- Certainly. Would you like some butter with your bread?
- Yes, please. Thank you very much.
(Friend to Friend)
- Hello, Mr. Jones. May I ask you a question?
- Certainly. How may I help you?
- Do you think you could help me with this?
- I'd be happy to help you.
(subordinate to superior - at work)
- Good Morning, Charles. I need a raise.
- Do you really? Well, forget about it!
(superior to subordinate - at work)
- Hey Jack, what are you doing?! Get to work!
- Hey, I'll take as much time as I need.
(speaking to a stranger)
- You! Tell me where the supermarket is.
- There.
I have to say that I find this kind of incorrect register use very funny. Can you imagine going one day by using it like that? I would feel strange using consciously formal instead of informal when in a supermarket or vice versa with my superior.
Take a look at this overview of registers with examples for specific occasions.
1. Frozen: Language that does not change - Prayers and pledges, "set" speech which is often scripted
2. Formal: Complete sentences and specific word usage. It is often used to show respect used in places such as work, school and public offices. Formal writing includes: business letters, letters of complaint, some essays, reports, official speeches, announcements, professional emails.
3. Consultative: Formal register used in conversation with colleagues, peers, etc.
4. Informal or Casual: Used in conversation with friends. It’s idiomatic and often full of slang, used to signal belonging to a given group. It includes: personal e-mails, phone texts, friendly letters, most blogs, diaries and journals
5. Intimate: Language between lovers - "private" language full of codes words only known to the two
6. Neutral: It’s not necessarily formal or informal. It is not usually positive or negative. A neutral register is used to deliver facts. We use the neutral language register with non-emotional topics and information. It includes: reviews, articles, some letters and essays, technical writing.
Example: Greetings
1. Frozen - Welcome to the Hugh Brothers Industrial Centre. Where tomorrow's world meets today's. Please remember that no flash photography is allowed during this tour...
2. Formal - Good morning. May I speak to the director, please?
3. Consultative - Hello, Mr Smith. How are you this morning?
4. Casual - Hey, Jack. What's up?
5. Intimate - How's my little snuggy wuggy?
Example: Complaints
1. Frozen - This is a complaint for damages and injunctive relief arising out of manipulative activities in the gold market from 1994 to the present time...
2. Formal - I hope you don't mind my stating that the service is unsatisfactory. I would like a refund.
3. Consultative - Excuse me Ms Carter. As I understand the task, we need to focus on improving our delivery times rather than blaming our suppliers.
4. Casual - Oh, Bob. Just a moment! Listen, you know... well... what was with that off-key comment last night?
5. Intimate - I'm sick and tired of your crap!
Example: Encouragement
1. Frozen - I offer you all my prayers, works, joys and suffering of this day...
2. Formal - Thank you for applying for this position. We'll let you know within a week if you have been chosen for an interview.
3. Consultative - Thanks for following-up on the Jones account. Great job!
4. Casual - Whoa, way to go! Nice catch!
5. Intimate - You're so good. I'm crazy about you, Honey.
(source here)
Although the formal, informal and neutral are most commonly used in writing, you see I wrote about all types of registers. As you might have noticed, this post was written in two different registers. Can you guess them? Now that you know them I am sure it won’t be very challenging for you to recognise them. :D
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