Assignment 3: Register

Hellooo!
Today I write something about register, which is fundamental when writing a text. Before I start, this is a short explanation of what register actually means:

"Register is a variety of a language used for a particular purpose or in a particular social setting. For example, when speaking in a formal setting, an English speaker may be more likely to adhere more closely to prescribed grammar, pronounce words ending in -ing with a velar nasal instead of an alveolar nasal (e.g. "walking", not "walkin'"), choose more formal words (e.g. father vs. dad, child vs. kid, etc.), and refrain from using contractions such as ain't, than when speaking in an informal setting." (yes, it's Wikipedia)

In school, those words known for being of a higher register were simply all linking words which sounded more complicated than "but" or "and". Apart from that, we were told to learn important phrases by heart for writing an application or other formal texts. However, there are many more important things we need to keep in mind. It is important to know in which situations it is appropriate to express oneself with words in a certain register and- even more important- in which it would be even embarassing doing so.

In general, to put words in order, there is this diagram where words can be subdivided in each category, like we already did in class before Christmas. I put a link here anyway if you want to watch it again.

• High register is basically used in formal texts
• Low register is used to express oneself while talking with a friend/family, etc.

Slang also counts to register, but is very inappropriate in a formal conversation. For example, you would never walk into a fancy restaurant, asking if you could use their loos. Or, what would a police officer think, if you called him a cop?
Sometimes it can be even respectless if you're not talking/writing in the appropriate register.

Here is some advice for high register

• Using the passive can emphasise friendlyness and respect
• Don't use appreviations
• Talk clearly -> don't say "walkin'" but "walking" in order give a good impression

Remember that using the appropriate register is very important in our everyday life!

Cheerio-or if you want a higher register- Good Bye!