What Language Registers to Use

The register of language I would use depends on several factors. If I were trying to explain a technical topic or speaking to someone on an informative level, I would apply a formal register of language. Any topic that would be considered in the genre of technical writing or technical communication should be expressed with a formal register. Short, clearly articulated sentences should be employed in order to ensure clear and concise communication should always be the goal within the formal register.

I would use the consultative register while communicating with other professionals whether I have been previously acquainted with them or not. Such communication might take place while talking to my boss or other fellow employees. The familiar form of addressing should be used in the consultative register. The formal register requires addressing someone with the title of the person. for example, if I know Greg Wilson is a police officer, while addressing Greg Wilson, I would call him “Officer Wilson” instead of Mr. Wilson or Greg. If, on the other hand, the person does not have a particular title, then I would add the title, Mr., Mrs., or Miss. The Mrs. should only be used when  the speaker knows that the woman is married. If there is doubt as to someone’s marriage status, then miss should be used to refer to a woman. The formal means of addressing someone also includes using the formal pronouns such as “you” in English, “Usted” in Spanish, “Vous” in French, “Lei” in Italian, and “Sie” in German. Although English-speaking people only use the formal “you” for all second person pronouns, many other languages continue to use the informal. Such pronouns should not be used in formal speech.

The informal register provides more freedom in speech since it does not restrict any mode of speech or rules that must be followed. However, I would avoid using speech with too much proper grammar. for example, if I were to ask my friend who we should invite to a party, I would rather say, “Hey, buddy, who all should we invite to the party?” Since the relative pronoun, who, is an objective pronoun, proper rules of grammar would dictate that the pronoun, whom, should replace the pronoun, who, in that sentence. Thus, the sentence would read, “Hey buddy, whom should be invite to the party?” Such a formal wording of the same question might make me look like a pompous fool, and I would not want that to happen. accordingly, while communicating in the informal register, try not to be too grammatically correct.