Lesson 4
General Directions:
• Before going online for our synchronous sessions, you must
first read the key concepts and perform the required tasks
of this part of the module.
• Visit our digital learning platform for the instructions on the
online tools to be used and the mode and deadline of
submission of your activities.
Activity 1
You are taking a stroll on the town plaza when one of the persons below approached
you, what do you think will he or she say to you? Write your answers on the thought bubbles.
Then, answer the guide questions which follow.
Questions:
▪ Will all of the people above speak the same way to you?
▪ Would they use slang terms in your conversations?
▪ What about the sentence structure?
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Language Registers refer to the level of formality and properness with which a person
speaks. Different situations and people call for different language registers. This is also
referred as Tenor, Tone or Style
Within linguistics, a register is a subset of a language used for a particular purpose or
social setting. The term register was first used by linguist (language expert) Thomas Reid in
1956 to describe the different forms of speech and writing which Moran Joos later defined in
1961.
Frozen: (Static) Printed language that does not change. A language that is "frozen" in
time and form. It does not change and is often learned by rote. The frozen register is found in
published works and historical and religious documents.
Examples: The Pledge of Allegiance, The Philippine Constitution, Bible quotations or Verses
Formal: Often used in writing, impersonal and professional. Avoids slang and speaks in
complete sentences standard for work, business, and academia. The formal register is an
uninterrupted one way participation of speech and writing often using technical vocabulary.
This is the register used for most academic and scientific publishing.
Examples: Medical, Technical Language, Speech, Editorial.
Consultative: Similar to formal register but used more in conversation. This is precise
and often technical. The consultative register is a two way participation of speech standard for
work, business, and academia. In this register background technical information is provided
and interruptions are allowed.
Examples: conversing with a doctor, speaking to a supervisor, colleague, assistant in a formal
setting.
Casual: Language used in conversation with friends. The casual register is a two way
participation of speech characterized by slang, ellipsis, and non-verbal assists (body language).
Interruptions are very common. An informal language that may include slang and
colloquialisms. Words are general, rather than technical.
Example: Language used between friends
Intimate: Communication between loved ones. Within the private intimate register,
intonation is more important than wording and grammar. Incidentally, this register is also
associated with the language of sexual harassment. This is often avoided in public and
professional situations.
Foreign speakers may find it difficult – especially when they are beginners – to switch
between registers. A speaker may move from one register to another with ease. For example,
it is not common for Filipino teachers to address one another casually in the faculty room, and
then adopt a more consultative register when speaking with a parent or even a school board
trustee. For professional and academic writing, the formal or at the very least, the consultative
register is more appropriate to be used.
Knowing what the various registers are, how to differentiate between them and when
to use which one increases your chances of being accepted by groups and speakers in a variety
of contexts which in turn may avoid misunderstandings.
Activity 2
Identify three (3) possible language registers used in the following pictures. Write your
answers on the blank boxes provided.
1. __________________________________
2. __________________________________
3. __________________________________
[Link]
1. __________________________________
2. __________________________________
3. __________________________________
[Link]
1. __________________________________
2. __________________________________
3. __________________________________
[Link]
1. __________________________________
2. __________________________________
3. __________________________________
Activity 3
Write dialogues that use appropriate language registers in each of the following situations.
SITUATIONS POSSIBLE DIALOGUES
Your teacher wants to
have one-on-one
conversation with you
regarding your low
performance in her class.
Catching up with a friend
you didn’t see for almost
10 years.
Your family is planning to
hold a children’s party
next weekend.
You are not feeling well
due to severe cough and
cold so you decided to
consult a physician.
Evaluation
(Evaluation will be posted by your teacher. Refer on your LMS/Google Classroom for
further instructions.)
Assignment
Read articles about Multimodal Text.
Rubric
Content - 40 %
Organization - 30 %
Mechanics - 30 %
Total 100%
References
Eaton, Sarah. (2018). Language Register and Why It Matters (Or: Why You Can’t Write An
Academic Paper in Gangsta Slang). Learning, Teaching, and Leadership. Retrieved on
August 14, 2020 from [Link]
register-and-why-it-matters-or-why-you-cant-write-an-academic-paper-in-gangsta-
slang/
Emmons, J. (2009). Language Registers. Pulse. Retrieved on May 19, 2020 from
[Link]
[Link]
Payne, Ruby. A framework for understanding and working with students and adults from
poverty. (RFT Publishing, 1995) "Register (sociolinguistics)." Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia. 11 Aug 2008, 02:06 UTC. 23 Aug 2008
