REGISTER in language usage with implications for teaching.

Modified from

Closer Connections ConferenceOctober 1 and 2, 2009

Missy Slaathaug

We tell our thoughts, like our children, to put on their hats and coats before they go out.

H.W. Fowler, A Dictionary of Modern English Usage

A simple observation:

In different situations, people use different forms of language.

Depending on the situation, we use different words and phrases

For example, to refer to death:died, passed away, passed, passed on, moved on, expired, croaked, bought the farm, passed from life temporal to life spiritual, went to meet her Maker, be taken, meet one’s end, perish, kick the bucket

different grammatical patterns Gimme a dime. Could I trouble you for the time? Do call me.

How do we start to analyze register? Depending on the situation –

So - look first at the components of the situation.

What is actually taking place? Where?

Who is taking part? What is their relationship?

What part is language playing?

Consider:

Social settingSituationAddressorAddresseeTopic

who, what, when, where

A fancy academic definition

The concept of register is typically concerned with variations in language conditioned by uses rather than users and involves consideration of the situation or context of use, the purpose, subject-matter and content of the message, and the relationship between the participants.

Suzanne Romaine, 1994

Register refers to: the variations in language which reflect

the particular situation

the goals of the communication

the relationship between the speakers power education intimacy

Joos’ Five ClocksThe concept of register has been around a long time. introduced in the 50s. Martin Joos outlined it clearly in his 1961 book The

Five Clocks. quoted, referred to, kicked around by many others:

Cheryl Carter, Suzanne Romaine, and also Ruby Payne in her book A Framework for Understanding Poverty.

Frozen printed, unchanging language, formal, almost scripted

phrases that do not vary

Examples: The BibleThe Lord’s PrayerThe Pledge of AllegianceLawsPreamble to the US Constitution

Formal One way communication, no interruptions Used in impersonal, formal settings Follows a commonly accepted format - complete sentences,

more complex syntax and specific word usages Often used to show respect

Examples: Introductions between strangers Rhetorical statements and questions Speeches, pronouncements made by judges, announcements standard for work, school, public offices and business settings

Consultative Two way participation, professional setting Background information is provided (prior

knowledge is not assumed). Interruptions and feedback fillers allowed (“uh-huh”,

“I see”). More complex syntax, longer phrases

Examples Doctor:patient, lawyer:client, lawyer:judge Teacher:student, Superior:subordinate Colleagues:peers

Casual Very informal language, slang is common No background information provided “Group” language – must be a member to use Interruptions common Context and non-verbal communication important

Examples: friends and acquaintances family teammates chats and blogs

Intimate Non-public Intonation as important as wording and grammar Often a private vocabulary

Examples: husband, wife boyfriend/girlfriend twins (siblings) pets, I would also add

Interesting to note here, this is the language of sexual harassment as well.

How do we know what register to use? How does this work?

Language is behavior Part of our cultural code, unwritten rules Taught explicitly to children (and teens!) Absorbed as we mature Labored over consciously as we get older

in academic settings, or writing speeches other?

Mostly – we both learn registers and slip between them without conscious thought. It is part of being fluent in a language.

Language is all about powerTo re-visit this idea –

We mark and judge people immediately upon

speaking with them. We make judgements about their educations their backgrounds their incomes their intelligence

We adjust ourselves in our relationship to them, according to each piece of linguistic information we receive.

EXPECTATIONS keeping in mind language = power

We expect people in authority to speak a certain way, using the formal register. Businessmen Politicians Supervisors, administrators Professors, teachers Professionals (doctors, lawyers) TV Newscasters

A simple truthYou must master the upper registers if you want to get to certain upper positions in American society.

(Barring rap stars, athletes, actors and some other groups. They seem to have a ticket to ignore language register requirements.)