1. Register
Commentary Lesson 11

2. What is it?
The degree of formality suitable for the situation or the writing required

3. Five Registers
On a continuum, they range from intimate to oratorical (frozen).
Intimate
Oratorical/Frozen
Informal
Formal

4. How do you know what to use?
The choice of register depends on
the situation one is in.
the “distance” (either physical or emotional) between the speaker/writer and the listener/reader.

5. Intimate
The language used by lovers and and by adults to small children or pets
Nearly always accompanied by touch
Consists of broken fragments of words such as “mmm,” “nice,” “there’s a good boy,” and so on

6. Casual The language used among friends and family
There is little/no planning of what is to be said
Sentences are not always grammatical
There will be inside jokes and references
Can be accompanied, but fleetingly, by touch

7. Consultative
The language used in class discussions, meetings, and seminars
There is more forethought and organization given to what is being said
Attention signals are asked for and given
One expects an occasional “yes” or head nod as a response
Sentences may not always be grammatically correct
Ideas may shift mid sentence
Contractions and abbreviations used regularly

8. Deliberative
The language one would find in an essay, scholarly work, or public lecture where the lecturer is reading a prepared set of notes
No verbal attention signals are expected
The speaker will expect the audience to look at him/her
The words have been planned across sentences and paragraphs
Often uses passive voice
Less likelihood of abbreviations and contractions

9. Oratorical or “Frozen”
Totally impersonal
Completely prepared
The language used in law courts and church ceremonies
Sometimes the words can change a person’s legal status
“I now pronounce you man and wife.”

10. Five ways of saying it. . . Intimate: “Sshhh!” Casual: “Shut up!”
Consultative: “Please be quiet!”
Deliberative: “Silence, please!”
Oratorical or “Frozen”: “Silence in the court!”

11. Using Register to Create Humor
Comedians use the wrong register to create humor.
A workman who has just been hit by a tool dropped by a fellow workman does not say, “I way, old chap, could you be a wee bit more careful?”