Varieties and Registers of Language

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Questions and Answers

What is the importance of the varieties of English in both oral and written contexts?

The varieties of English facilitate effective communication across different social contexts.

Language style is independent of a person’s social status.

False

What does the term 'register' refer to in language?

Which of the following is an example of a legal language register?

In witness whereof the parties hereunto have set their hands to these presents Signup and view all the answers

Which vocabulary word is associated with Philippine English?

Balikbayan box Signup and view all the answers

In speaking, language varies in __________ and in writing.

tone Signup and view all the answers

Match the following English varieties with their specific characteristics:

Singapore English = Uses terms like 'missy' for nurse Philippine English = Uses 'balikbayan box' for a box of goods from abroad Malaysian English = Uses 'antilog' for a male hated by a girl Legalese = Characterized by technical jargon specific to the legal profession Signup and view all the answers

Which register is appropriate for writing project proposals?

Formal Register Signup and view all the answers

What are the varieties of English important for?

Important in both oral and written contexts. Signup and view all the answers

How does language style depend on?

Economic status, education, and current situation of the person. Signup and view all the answers

What is a language register?

A kind of language whose forms are defined by a social situation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of legalese?

In witness whereof the parties hereunto have set their hands to these presents Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes formal register?

More business-like and factual. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered informal register?

Casual communication with friends Signup and view all the answers

Language does not vary depending on the community.

False Signup and view all the answers

In the context of register, language is often considered more ______ in informal situations.

emotional Signup and view all the answers

Match the following vocabulary words to their varieties:

Missy = Singapore English Deep = Philippine English Antilog = Malaysian English Balikbayan box = Philippine English Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Varieties and Registers of Language

Language styles and registers are influenced by social factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and current situation.
Crystal (1964) argues that language, being a product of social interaction, should be studied within its social context.
Language style refers to the manner of speaking or writing depending on the situation and the person being addressed. For example, the way we speak to a friend differs from the way we speak to a superior.
Language register refers to the formality of language used in a specific social situation. It determines the lexicon or vocabulary used and helps identify the nature of the interaction.
Examples of language registers include legalese, textese, formal register, and informal register.

Legalese and Textese

Legalese uses archaic expressions, technical jargon specific to the legal profession, and lengthy, complex sentences.
Textese uses abbreviations (Ms., Mr., Dr., Hon.), slang words and expressions, and acronyms (LMK, BTW, LOL, F2F, NVM, TGIF, TL, DR, ICYMI, FYI, GBML, AFAIAC, ILY, IDC, IMO).

Formal and Informal Register

Formal register is appropriate for written documents like project proposals, position papers, and business letters. It is characterized by impersonality, objectivity, and factualness.
Informal register is casual in tone and appropriate for personal relationships like those with friends, relatives, and classmates. It can be more emotional in writing.

Language Variations

Lin (2016) presents three key variations in language:
- Local vs. Global: Language varies depending on whether communication occurs within or outside a community.
- Spoken vs. Written: Language varies depending on the mode of communication (spoken or written).
- Everyday vs. Specialized: Language varies depending on the specific discourse (everyday conversation or specialized conversation).

Examples of Vocabulary Words Peculiar to Southeast Asian English Varieties

Singapore English:
- Missy - nurse
- Chop - rubber
- Marina kids – youngsters who spend their leisure time at Marina Square
- Graduate mothers - well-educated women encouraged to have more children.
Philippine English:
- Deep - hard to understand.
- Stick - cigarette.
- High blood - tense or upset.
- Motel - a hotel used for pre-marital or extra-marital affairs.
- Studentry - student body.
- Balikbayan box - a box used by Filipinos returning from abroad to bring back their shopping.
Malaysian English:
- Antilog - a male hated by a girl.
- Popcorn - a loquacious person.
- Kachang - peanuts; easy.
- Slambar - relax.

Varieties and Registers of Spoken and Written Language

Language style is dependent on the socioeconomic status, education, and current situation of the speaker.
Register is a distinct form of language used in a specific social situation.
Language register refers to the formality of the language used.
Register can identify specific language features, such as lexicon or vocabulary.
Some examples of language registers include legal language, liturgical language, and textese.
Examples of legal terms include archaic expressions and technical terms.
Textese refers to the use of abbreviations, slang words, and acronyms common in online communication.

Examples of Vocabulary Words Peculiar to Some English Varieties in Southeast Asia

Singapore English has unique terms such as "missy," "chop," and "Marina kids."
Philippine English has terms like "deep," "stick," and "high blood" that are specific to the region.
Malaysian English features terminology such as "antilog," "popcorn," and "kachang."

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Description

This quiz explores the different styles and registers of language as influenced by social factors such as education and context. It distinguishes between language styles and registers while providing examples, including legalese and textese. Test your understanding of how language adapts to various social situations.