Register (sociolinguistics)

In

As with other types of language variation, there tends to be a spectrum of registers rather than a discrete set of obviously distinct varieties—numerous registers can be identified, with no clear boundaries between them. Discourse categorization is a complex problem, and even according to the general definition of register given above (language variation defined by use rather than user), there are cases where other kinds of language variation, such as regional or age dialect, overlap. Due to this complexity, scholarly consensus has not been reached for the definitions of terms such as register, field, or tenor; different scholars' definitions of these terms often contradict each other.

Additional terms such as diatype,

M. A. K. Halliday and R. Hasan^[4] interpret register as "the linguistic features which are typically associated with a configuration of situational features—with particular values of the field, mode and tenor." Field for them is "the total event, in which the text is functioning, together with the purposive activity of the speaker or writer; includes subject-matter as one of the elements." Mode is "the function of the text in the event, including both the channel taken by language – spoken or written, extempore or prepared – and its genre, rhetorical mode, as narrative, didactic, persuasive, 'phatic communion', etc." The tenor refers to "the type of role interaction, the set of relevant social relations, permanent and temporary, among the participants involved". These three values – field, mode and tenor – are thus the determining factors for the linguistic features of the text. "The register is the set of meanings, the configuration of semantic patterns, that are typically drawn upon under the specified conditions, along with the words and structures that are used in the realization of these meanings." Register, in the view of M. A. K. Halliday and R. Hasan, is one of the two defining concepts of text. "A text is a passage of discourse which is coherent in these two regards: it is coherent with respect to the context of situation, and therefore consistent in register; and it is coherent with respect to itself, and therefore cohesive."

Register as formality scale

One of the most analyzed areas where the use of language is determined by the situation is the formality scale. The term register is often, in

In one prominent model, Martin Joos describes five styles in spoken English:^[3]

• Frozen: Also referred to as static register. Printed unchanging language, such as
  United States of America
  and other "static" vocalizations. The wording is exactly the same every time it is spoken.
• Formal: One-way participation; no interruption; technical vocabulary or exact definitions are important; includes presentations or introductions between strangers.
• Consultative: Two-way participation; background information is provided – prior knowledge is not assumed. "Back-channel behavior" such as "uh huh", "I see", etc. is common. Interruptions are allowed. For example teacher/student, doctor/patient, or expert/apprentice.
• Casual: In-group friends and acquaintances; no background information provided;
  ellipsis and slang
  common; interruptions common. This is common among friends in a social setting.
• Intimate: Non-public; intonation more important than wording or grammar; private vocabulary. Also includes non-verbal messages. This is most common among family members and close friends.

The term diatype is sometimes used to describe language variation which is determined by its social purpose.[10] In this formulation, language variation can be divided into two categories: dialect, for variation according to user, and diatype for variation according to use (e.g. the specialised language of an academic journal). This definition of diatype is very similar to those of register. The distinction between dialect and diatype is not always clear; in some cases a language variety may be understood as both a dialect and a diatype. Diatype is usually analysed in terms of field, the subject matter or setting; tenor, the participants and their relationships; and mode, the channel of communication, such as spoken, written or signed.

See also

• Child-directed speech
• Code-switching
• Colloquialism
• Diglossia
• Elderspeak
• Etiquette
• Honorifics (linguistics) - politeness markers
• Honorific speech in Japanese
• Korean speech levels
• Literary language
• Prestige (sociolinguistics)
• Tone (literature)
• Vernacular

Notes

References

• Crystal, D; Davy, D. (1969). Investigating English Style. London: Routledge.
• Agha, Asif (2008). "Registers of language". In Alessandro Duranti (ed.). A Companion to Linguistic Anthropology. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 23–45.
  ISBN 978-0-470-99726-0
  .
• Gregory, M. (1967). "Aspects of Varieties Differentiation".
  S2CID 144887166
  .
• ISO (2019). Management of terminology resources – Data category specifications. International Organization for Standardization.
• Halliday, M. A. K.; Hasan, R. (1976). Cohesion in English. London: Longman.
• Halliday, M. A. K.; McIntosh, M.; Strevens, P. (1964). "Comparison and translation". The Linguistic Sciences and Language Teaching. London: Longman.
• Halliday, M. A. K. (1978). Language as Social Semiotic: The Social Interpretation of Language and Meaning. London: Edward Arnold.
• Harcourt, Brace and World
  .
• Quirk, R.; Greenbaum, S.; Leech, G.; Svartvik, J. (1985). A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. Longman, Harcourt.
• Reid, T. B. W. (1956). "Linguistics, Structuralism, Philology". Archivum Linguisticum. 8.
• Swales, J. (1990). Genre Analysis: English in Academic and Research Settings. Cambridge University Press.
• Trosborg, A. (1997). "Text Typology: Register, Genre and Text Type". In Trosborg, Anna (ed.). Text Typology and Translation. John Benjamins Publishing Company. pp. 3–23.
• Trudgill, P. (1992). Introducing Language and Society. London: Penguin.
• Wardhaugh, R. (1986). Introduction to Sociolinguistics (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Blackwell.
• Werlich, E. (1982). A Text Grammar of English. Heidelberg: Quelle & Meyer.