Language Registers | Chapter 4 (Part 1)

Summary

This video from the 'GE2 - Purposive Communication' series delves into Chapter 4, focusing on the concept of language registers in spoken and written communication. It explains that language register pertains to the appropriateness of language style for specific contexts. The video identifies three main registers: formal, informal, and neutral. It outlines nine rules for formal language, such as using third-person pronouns, avoiding contractions, and utilizing conjunctions for clarity. Informal language is more relaxed and personal, while neutral language is factual and objective, suitable for technical reports and news. The video uses relatable scenarios to illustrate these concepts, making the discussion engaging and informative.

Takeaways

• 😀 Language register refers to the appropriateness of the level and style of speaking and writing in a particular context.
• 📚 There are three main language registers: formal, informal, and neutral, each with distinct characteristics and uses.
• 👔 Formal register is used for unfamiliar audiences or superiors, characterized by third-person pronouns, no contractions, and formal vocabulary.
• 👕 Informal register is for intimate relationships and casual communication, allowing for contractions and slang.
• 🔍 Neutral register is objective and factual, used in technical reports, news articles, and other non-emotional contexts.
• 📈 In formal language, numbers below 100 should be spelled out, and acronyms should be introduced with their full forms followed by the abbreviation in parentheses.
• ✍️ Formal writing encourages the use of complete sentences in active voice and prefers simple sentences for clarity.
• 🔗 Conjunctions play a crucial role in formal writing, indicating transitions and relationships between ideas.
• 💡 Informal writing is more flexible, with no strict rules, and is commonly used in personal messages, diaries, and friendly correspondence.
• 🌐 The next video will discuss the varieties of language, expanding on the concepts introduced in this chapter.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Chapter 4 in the video?

Chapter 4 focuses on 'Varieties and Registers of Spoken and Written Language', discussing the appropriateness of language use in different contexts.

What are the two parts of the video mentioned in the script?

The two parts of the video are 'Varieties of Language' and 'Registers of Spoken and Written Language'.

What does the term 'language register' refer to?

Language register refers to the appropriateness of the level and style of speaking and writing, depending on the context in which the communication takes place.

How many language registers are commonly identified in the script?

There are three commonly identified language registers: formal, informal, and neutral.

What is the primary difference between formal and informal language registers?

Formal language register is used for unfamiliar audiences or superiors, while informal language register is used among intimate relationships or familiar people.

What are some rules that govern the use of formal language register as per the script?

Some rules include using the third person, avoiding contractions, spelling out numbers below 100, using formal words instead of slang, and using complete sentences in active voice.

How does the script suggest using acronyms in formal language?

Acronyms can be used in formal language, but they must be spelled out the first time they appear, followed by the acronym in parentheses.

What is the purpose of using conjunctions in formal language according to the script?

Conjunctions are used to indicate transitions, implying continuity or cause and effect relationships in the ideas presented in sentences.

What is the neutral language register, and where is it commonly used?

The neutral language register is neither formal nor informal and is used for non-emotional, factual content such as articles, technical reports, magazine reviews, and news.

What are some examples of informal language use mentioned in the script?

Examples include using short messaging systems, text messages, friend letters, and personal diaries.

What is the significance of the two pictures discussed in the script?

The two pictures illustrate the difference between formal and informal language registers by showing the appropriate language use when speaking to a brother (informal) and to a president (formal).

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Introduction to Language Registers

This paragraph introduces the topic of language registers, emphasizing the importance of understanding the appropriate level and style of speaking and writing in different contexts. It sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the concept by defining language register as the suitability of communication in a specific context. The paragraph also introduces the idea that language register guides the use of vocabulary, structure, and grammar. Two scenarios are presented to illustrate the concept: a casual conversation between brothers and a formal interaction with a president, highlighting the differences in language use based on the relationship and context.

05:03

📚 Understanding Formal and Informal Language Registers

The second paragraph delves into the specifics of formal and informal language registers. It explains that formal language is used for unfamiliar audiences or superiors, characterized by a lack of intimate relationship. Informal language, conversely, is used among close acquaintances or in intimate relationships. The paragraph uses the scenarios from the introduction to illustrate these points, showing how the language used with a brother is casual and informal, while the language used when addressing a president is formal. The paragraph also introduces the concept of the neutral language register, which is objective and factual, suitable for non-emotional and factual content.

10:06

📜 Rules Governing Formal Language Register

This paragraph outlines the rules that govern the use of formal language register. It lists nine specific rules, such as using the third person, avoiding contractions, spelling out numbers below 100, using formal words over slang, and introducing acronyms properly. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of these rules in maintaining the formality and professionalism expected in formal communication. It also touches on the use of complete sentences, active voice, simple sentences, and conjunctions to indicate transitions, which are all integral to the formal language register.

15:07

📝 Informal and Neutral Language Registers

The fourth paragraph contrasts the formal language register with the informal and neutral ones. Informal language register is characterized by a relaxed and friendly use of words, often seen in personal messages, letters, and diaries. It is the opposite of formal writing, with no strict rules to follow. The neutral language register, meanwhile, is described as neither formal nor informal, suitable for non-emotional and factual content such as articles, technical reports, and news. The paragraph reinforces the idea that the choice of language register depends on the context and the relationship between the communicators.

20:08

🔚 Recap and Anticipation of Next Discussion

The final paragraph serves as a recap of the rules governing the formal language register, summarizing the nine rules previously discussed. It also transitions to the next part of the video series, which will focus on the varieties of language. The paragraph concludes the first part of the discussion on language registers, setting expectations for further exploration of language varieties in the subsequent video.

Keywords

💡Language Register

Language register refers to the appropriateness of the level and style of speaking and writing in a particular context. It is a key concept in the video as it guides the speaker or writer in the use of vocabulary, structure, and grammar. The video explains that language register is crucial for determining the formality or informality of communication, as seen in the examples of speaking to a brother versus addressing the president.

💡Formal Language Register

Formal language register is characterized by a style of writing or speaking used for unfamiliar audiences or superiors, where there is no intimate relationship. The video outlines specific rules for formal language, such as using the third person, avoiding contractions, and spelling out numbers below 100. It is exemplified in the script through the scenario of addressing the president, where the language used is formal and respectful.

💡Informal Language Register

Informal language register is used in casual or intimate relationships, such as when speaking to family members or close friends. The video contrasts this with formal language, highlighting the use of contractions and informal vocabulary. An example from the script is the phrase 'what's up,' which is considered informal and appropriate for use among siblings.

💡Neutral Language Register

Neutral language register is described as objective, impersonal, and factual, neither formal nor informal. It is suitable for non-emotional and factual content like articles, technical reports, and news. The video suggests that neutral language focuses on conveying information without emotional bias, making it a critical register for journalistic and academic writing.

💡Vocabulary

Vocabulary pertains to the words and phrases used in speech or writing. The video emphasizes the importance of vocabulary choice in language register, with formal registers requiring more sophisticated and less colloquial terms. For instance, the video suggests using 'very good' instead of 'cool' in a formal setting.

💡Structure

Structure in language refers to the arrangement of words and sentences. The video discusses how structure can vary between formal and informal registers, with formal language often employing more complex and complete sentences. The script mentions the use of simple sentences over compound ones in formal writing for clarity.

💡Grammar

Grammar encompasses the rules governing the structure of sentences, including word order and tense. The video specifies that grammar is an essential aspect of language register, with formal language adhering to strict grammatical rules, such as using the active voice and avoiding contractions.

💡Contractions

Contractions are shortened forms of words, created by combining two words, typically by omitting a letter or letters. The video states that contractions are avoided in formal language registers to maintain formality and professionalism, as seen in the recommendation to write 'should not' instead of 'shouldn't'.

💡Acronym

An acronym is a word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, used as a shorthand for the full name. The video instructs that while acronyms can be used in formal language, they must first be spelled out in full to ensure clarity. For example, 'non-government organization' would be written as 'non-government organization (NGO)' on first mention.

💡Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that connect sentences, clauses, or ideas. The video highlights the use of conjunctions in formal language to indicate transitions and relationships between ideas. It categorizes conjunctions into coordinating, subordinating, and correlative, with examples like 'however' and 'nevertheless' used to show contrast.

Highlights

Introduction to Chapter 4: Varieties and Registers of Spoken and Written Language

Definition of Language Register as the appropriateness of communication style

Explanation of how language register guides vocabulary, structure, and grammar

Illustration of language register through scenarios involving a brother and a president

Identification of three common language registers: formal, informal, and neutral

Description of formal language register for unfamiliar audiences or superiors

Informal language register defined for intimate relationships and casual settings

Neutral language register for objective, impersonal, and factual communication

Nine rules governing the use of formal language register

Rule 1: Use of third person pronouns in formal language

Rule 2: Avoiding contractions in formal writing

Rule 3: Spelling out numbers below 100 in formal language

Rule 4: Using formal words instead of slang and cliches

Rule 5: Acronyms can be used after spelling out the full term first

Rule 6: Using complete sentences in formal language

Rule 7: Preference for active voice in formal sentences

Rule 8: Using simple sentences over compound ones for clarity

Rule 9: Utilizing conjunctions to indicate transitions in formal writing

Contrast between formal and informal language registers in terms of rules and usage

Neutral language register's application in non-emotional and factual contexts

Upcoming discussion on language varieties in the next video

Transcripts

hello everyone welcome to ge2

purposive communication and in this

video we will talk about

chapter four and that is varieties

and registers of spoken and written

language

for the information of everyone there

are two parts of this video

since chapter 4 will discuss varieties

at the same time registers of

spoken and written language

for the first part which is

this video we will going to discuss

registers of spoken and written

language so to understand

better about the varieties and registers

of spoken and written language the there

are following terms

that we will going to use and we will

going to encounter

and this will give you ideas about the

important things

that you really need to know as you go

along

and as you get engage yourself in this

chapter so let's start

our discussion with

chapter four so before

jumping into the discussion

proper of chapter 4 which is

the register of spoken and written

language let's have first define

what is this language so

basically to you guys who are watching

right now

we have different um

definition about language and perhaps

one of you would say that if we say

language it is the system

of communication again

maybe one of you would say if we say

language it is the system of

communication

used by a particular country or

community

and that is true so this time we will

talk about

language and we will connect language or

system of communication into

registered and we will going to discuss

language register so

language register means the

appropriateness of the level

and style of speaking and writing

therefore if we say language register

it has something to do with how

this system of communication

are being used in a particular context

and that is register and at the same

time

language register will guide a speaker

or writer in the use of these three

things

we have vocabulary structure and

grammar so as we go along with our

discussion

we will going to encounter different

terminologies that would somehow

your first time to hear just take a note

of it

because it is very essential and very

substantial

if you are learning english so

as part of the discussion of language

register

let's consider these two pictures so in

the first picture if you could notice

we have three

persons involved and that's being

mentioned to your brother so let assume

that

you are speaking to your brother

so someone would say what's up it's

awesome that you came to visit

so we will we can create a scenario

that one of these person

visited the house of his brother

maybe perhaps we could say this man in

redcoat

visited the place of his brothers and

one of his brothers said what's up

brother it's awesome that you came to

visit

okay so let's consider the second one

before we were going to evaluate what

these um pictures trying to imply

to language register if you could notice

we have also two persons here

the one with red tie and the one with

blue thai

so to the president so perhaps we can

create a scenario that these two person

are in politics so if someone would say

talking to a president he would say good

morning

mr president we appreciate your visit

so try to notice the two

scenarios that we have so we are talking

to your brother

the second one is you're talking to the

president perhaps

you have thoughts in mind and

yes that is correct these

two pictures imply

the tone or somehow the style

of speaking

and this picture has something to do

with

language register as being mentioned

earlier

it is the appropriateness of the level

so on the first picture we could say

that

the words being used are casual

because they're they are brothers in

short

they are using the informal language in

talking with each other well on the

other hand

the the sounds is formal

because you are talking to a precedent

so basically these two picture implies

definition about language

register so let's proceed

and let's go into details about

this language register so basically

there

are three language registers

that have been identified as the most

common

so we have formal informal

and the neutral perhaps um to you guys

are watching right now you are familiar

with these three words or maybe two of

these words

the formal and informal one because you

already encounter these words

during your english subjects before

so we will discuss it one by one so

let's have first the formal

so formal language register means that

it is the style of

writing or style of speaking

in which used for unfamiliar audience or

readers

or we could say that you are using the

formal language register for

your superiors in an office

or in any context in short

we could say formal language means

you are talking or you are writing

formally

to a particular person that there is

no intimate relationship

so if we will go back to the to the

pictures

this one is what we consider the formal

language register

why because if we could notice and if

you could remember the one that we've

created

earlier the scenario that we've created

earlier

we assume that one of these man

is the president and the other one

is maybe somehow a stranger a secretary

or that has no relationship to the

president therefore as being mentioned

by the slide you are using formal

language register

for unfamiliar audience unfamiliar means

not literally you are not familiar the

unfamiliar term there

is using um the relationship

there is no relationship towards the

audience

okay while the other one is the informal

so it will explain the

formal one so because if we see formal

there is no relationship

therefore you need to use the formal

language the other way around

if you have casual or

intimate relationship that's the time

that you are going to use the

informal language register so if we

could notice on the picture what's up

it's awesome that you came to visit the

term

what's up it's an informal

term so they used what's up because they

have an intimate relationship

towards each other because they are

brothers

so maybe maybe somehow these informal

language register

are being used from time to time

especially that we are surrounded with

um familiar people so perhaps we are

using informal language from time to

time

rather than the formal one so now let's

proceed to the neutral

neutral it is the more objective

impersonal and factual type of writing

or speaking in short if we say neutral

the other way around either way formal

or informal but the focus of it

is on the fact

12 information i will discuss it and

um i will discuss it further as we go

along

with this video so again we have to

remember

there are three language registers

that have been identified the formal

informal and the neutral language

register so now let's discuss the formal

language register

as being mentioned um

formal register has this so-called

number of rules governed

in this register so there are

as per record there are nine

rules that govern in the use of formal

language registers so we'll discuss it

one by one

so let's first discuss the first

rule rule number one use the third

person

very common in pronoun we have first

second

and third person now specifically if we

will talk about formal language register

we need to use the third person

third person those are the he she we

them okay so

those are the third person pronoun

so we need to be familiar on it

and the second one is avoid contractions

so avoid contraction means

the real word of it is should not

so if we will talk about formal language

um register

we should not contract any words

in short while nothing

contraction means the process of

becoming

smaller so instead of saying

shouldn't couldn't can't

you have to spell it out say

should not could not cannot will not

so we have to spell it out you have to

avoid

contractions or the process

of becoming smaller

the third one spell out numbers below

100.

so very common and self-explanatory that

1 to

99 you have to spell it up

in words but beyond 100

you can use the numeric okay rule number

four

use formal words rather than slang

and cliches so since we are talking

about formal language register

we need to have to put in mind the

formal

words so um

perhaps you would say what are these

lungs

what are these cliches so slangria

refers to

the informal use of language

for example you would say

cool cool is an informal word

so if you are situated

in a formal conversation

instead of saying cool you would say

very good

okay so again there are words that we

need to be um

familiar with especially in terms of the

usage

okay so like for example the one earlier

that we've used

the what's up so it's it's instead of

saying what's up

you would say how are you how are you

doing today

that's the formal way of saying what's

up

okay and the fifth one acronyms can be

used

but you have to spell it out first

so example of it is this one

okay um this should be

written like this let me just check

um it should be reading like this

okay this one

so non-government organization always

remember

informal language register before using

the acronym

you can use acronym but before using it

you have to spell the word

out first or you have to spell it

out first so example given

we have non-government

unit or non-government organization

and the acronym

is being situated inside the parenthesis

so you have to remember that so you have

to use

the you can use the acronym but make it

sure you have to spell it out first

then put the acronym in the parenthesis

so thereafter

you may use the acronym in the other

parts of

your sentence

i hope these things is clear

so let's proceed to rule number

six since we're talking about

um formal language register we need

also to remember this one

use complete sentences and this

is very true and standard informal

language so in formal language we need

to be

um you need to utilize the complete

sentences and we need to avoid the

phrases

and clauses and rule number

six has something to do with the rule

number seven

so if it's complete sentence therefore

it should be in an

active voice okay

so i will not go into details or i will

not go into uh

further details about this active and

passive voice of sentences

because you already encountered this

during your previous english

subjects so just

remember a passive sentence has the word

by so if there is the word by

you should delete that and or you

can transform it into the active form

okay and the eight rule number eight

simple sentence rather than compound

sentence now if we say compound sentence

it has two independent clauses

in short there are two sentences in one

sentence

so to avoid um to avoid misconception

or to make your um statement clearer

or easily to unders uh to understand

we need to use simple sentences like

a one sentence only that's enough okay

so to make your speech or write up

shorter and easier to understand

and the last one is the use of

conjunction this is

very important okay

use of conjunction to indicate

transition especially

um to you guys who are watching right

now

you are surrounded with essays

you are surrounded with writings so

for you to have um a very good

write up a very good um

articles we need to use

or utilize conjunctions so perhaps

you are familiar with these conjunctions

so these conjunctions in our thinking

in our previous knowledge we have two

the coordinating conjunction

and the subordinating conjunction but

this time we will add

another one and that is correlative

conjunction

so coordinating conjunction basically it

is the fanboys

the four and neither but or yes and so

the rest are the subordinating

conjunction but

there is what we call correlative

conjunction those are

conjunctions that you are trying to

compare one particular thing to another

so example of it is not only the

but also neither that

that nor either that that that or though

so example of it is

neither of the man nor the woman

so you're trying to compare one thing to

another thing

so that's correlative you are trying to

correlate

the two thing with each other so

speaking of conjunctions we have

different

classification of conjunctions aside

from the types

that we had the scars so

um we have addition summary plays

example comparison

time and i will not go into details

because you already have

or if you really wanted to learn more

about this conjunction

or any types of english grammar you can

go to the link

www.englishstudy.englishstudyhere.com

there's a lot of um lessons that you can

um read on that website

so always remember use conjunction to

indicate transitions

or imply continuity or cause and effect

relationship in the ideas of your

sentences

conjunctions such as however

nevertheless

similarly and on the other hand

could help relate or show contrast

in the ideas in your sentences so

you have to remember that so let's

do recap there are nine rule

um govern in the formal language

register

we have rule number one use of third

person

rule number two avoid contractions

rule number three spell out numbers

below 100.

use formal words rather than slang and

cliches that's for rule number four

acronyms can be used but you have to

spell it out first

rule number five and for rule number six

use

complete statuses in your write-up or

speech

and for rule number seven you have to

use active voice

rather than the passive sentences rule

number eight

simple sentences rather than compound

sentences and the last

rule rule number nine use conjunctions

to indicate transition

so you have to remember that

okay so let's proceed

to the informal but

um before discussing the informal

as being mentioned those are the formal

rules governed in the formal language

in informal writing and there is no rule

okay rules informal you can

um you can use whatever you want okay

because in in four miles being mentioned

you have

intimate relationship so in informal

language

register you are using informal or

friendly use of words

so this is this is the type of writing

wherein you adopt

short messaging system like text message

friend letter in the very common the

diary and perhaps one of you who are

watching right now

is using diary up until today you're

writing diaries

just for personal thoughts okay

so informal writing is the opposite form

of letters

does not require formal or strict

rules to follow so it's up to you how

are you going to write

if we say informal well on the other

hand

the neutral language register

so the neutral language register is

neither formal

nor informal so

this this is applicable for

non-emotional

and factual things like for example

articles technical reports magazine

reviews

news so those are the neutral

language register that we are very

common

okay we are familiar with

so that's the end for the part one

and the next video we'll discuss the

varieties

of language

you