Language Registers Review

Definitions

100

• standard academic two-way communication

• usually polite and courteous

 Consultative Register

200

• Also called static register

• can’t change the words 

 Frozen Register

300

• nonstandard communication

• language between people in relationships 

Intimate Register

400

nonstandard, one-way and two-way communication

slang, incomplete sentences, vulgarities, colloquialisms (informal language such as ya’ll, gonna), and unfinished thoughts

Casual Register

500

• standard academic one way communication

• usually impersonal 

Formal Register

Examples

100

• EXAMPLES: essays, research papers, 

    presentations, sermons, or speeches

Formal Register

200

EXAMPLES: Pledge of Allegiance, Alma Mater, words to a song, marriage vows, poetry, prayers, airport announcements, and laws

 Frozen Register

300

EXAMPLES:  conversation with peers, chats and emails, personal blogs, texts

Casual Register

400

• EXAMPLES:  nicknames,  special terms, excludes others and has its own code, finish each other’s sentences

Intimate Register

500

EXAMPLES: discussions, questions & answers in the classroom or conversation on-the-job, talking with lawyer or doctor

 Consultative Register

Which Register?

100

Which register should you use when you're at church?

Consultative Register

200

True or False: Frozen register should be used in a conversation with your teacher

False

300

Which register will most students use in texts or when talking to friends at school?

Casual

400

Which register should you use during our Fishbowl discussions?

Consultative

500

Give an example of a conversation that uses a casual register and change it to a consultative register.

Answers vary.

Example Quotes

100

Which register is this?

Hey foolio, let's peace out.

Casual 

200

Which register is this?

"In this essay, I will demonstrate the differences between Lennie and George."

Formal

300

Which register is this?

"Good Morning Mrs. Beaudoin, how are you today?"

I'm well, thank you for asking.

Consultative

400

Which register is this?

Bae, I love you so much. 

Intimate

500

2 parts: 

Part 1: Which register is this?

"Do not leave your bags unattended."

Part 2: Provide an example of an Intimate Register

Frozen Register

Part 2: answers vary

Other

100

True or False: 

• A person can go from one register to the next register without any conflicts 

True

200

Which register do a lot of students use in the classroom and which register should they use?

Casual

Consultative

300

True or False: Skipping several registers in one conversation can be considered rude.

True

400

How do you decide which language register is appropriate to use?

• Audience    

• Topic

• Situation

500

Name all 5 Language Registers

• Frozen

• Formal

• Consultative

• Casual

• Intimate