CITY UNIVERSITY OF PASAY

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

GEC 105 PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION

LESSON 4 Part 1

TOPIC: 1. Varieties and Registers of Spoken and Written Languages

Lesson Learning Outcomes: At the end of the learning engagement you should
be able to:

1. explain the varieties and registers of spoken and written language,

2. discuss how varieties and registers of languages affect
communication,
3. participate in activities to enhance communicative competence, and
4. appreciate the significance of understanding how varieties and
registers of languages affect communication.

Boost Your Word Power!

Practice saying “Thank you” in different languages.

English – Thank you, Thanks Russian- Spasiba (spah-see-boh)

Spanish- Gracias Korean- Gamsahamnida
French- Merci Arabic- Shukran
Italian- Grazie Icelandic- Takk
Japanese- Arigato Hawaiian- Mahalo
Chinese- Do jeh, Daw-dyeh Hebrew- Toda (toh-dah)
German- Danke sehr Greek- Efharisto (ef-har-ris-tou’)
Thai- Khop Khun Mak Kha Hindi- Dhanyavad/Shukriya

The American English and British English

US English UK English US English UK English

The Media Money and
Shopping
talk show chat show, talk check cheque
show
check (bill in a bill
TV program TV programme restaurant)

realtor estate agent

sales clerk shop assistant

 store, shop shop
People and society Entertainment
apartment flat, apartment humor humour

crazy (insane) mad, crazy movie film

diaper nappy movie theater cinema

line queue, line theater theatre

mad angry

mean (unpleasant, nasty

rude)

stingy (not mean, stingy

generous)
The law and crime Fashion and design
attorney, lawyer barrister, solicitor, closet wardrobe, cupboard
lawyer
color colour
jail prison
cuffs (on trousers) turn-ups
license licence
modeling modeling
offense offence
pants, slacks trousers

sweater jumper, jersey,

sweater

vest waistcoat

zipper zip
Health and fitness Work and business
doctor’s office (doctor’s) surgery desk clerk receptionist

drug store, chemist/s labor labour

pharmacy
raise pay rise/ raise
restroom public toilet, lavatory
two weeks fortnight, two weeks

Travel and transport Food and drink

airplane aeroplane burner hob
gasoline petrol can (of beans) tin

highway, freeway main road, candy sweets

motorway
potato chips crisps
one-way (ticket) single
cookie biscuit
parking lot car park
French fries chips, French fries
pavement road surface
silverware cutlery
railroad railway
stove cooker
sidewalk pavement
takeout takeaway
subway underground

tire tyre

trailer caravan

truck van, lorry, truck

vacation holiday

windshield windscreen
Hobbies, sport and Education and
games learning
football American football elementary/junior primary/secondary
high/senior high
soccer football, soccer school

sneakers trainers eraser rubber, eraser

to practice to practise grade mark, grade

track and field athletics principal head, headteacher,

headmaster

quiz (at school) test

recess break

school (university) university

 Science and Weather and the
technology environment
antenna aerial garbage/trash can dustbin, rubbish/
litter bin
cellphone mobile phone
garbage, trash rubbish
elevator lift
yard garden
faucet, tap tap

Varieties of the English Language

By: Govind

Language and Culture

English is the most widely-spoken language in the world, having the distinct
status of being the official language of multiple countries. While the English language is
uniform with major variations in spelling present between American English and British
English, the dialect or accent is usually the factor that enables one to distinguish tha
various types of English out there.

From the thick Ugandan English to the French-themed Canadian English, the
varieties of accents present are both diverse and beautiful. Apart from accents, there is
a tendency for people to mix English with their local lingo to form a hybrid variety of
English language that is as colorful as the culture in that country.

Read on to find out more about the various types of English language that are
present in countries around the world.

British English

British English is the English language as spoken and written in the United
Kingdom or, more broadly, throughout the British Isles. Slight regional variations exist in
formal, written English in the United Kingdom.

English is a West Germanic language that originated from the Anglo-Frisian

dialects brought to Britain by Germanic settlers from various parts of what is now
northwest Germany and the northern Netherlands. The resident population at this time
was generally speaking Common Brittonic- the insular variety of continental Celtic,
which was influenced by the Roman occupation. This group of languages (Welsh,
Cornish, Cumbric) cohabited alongside English into the modern period, but due to their
remoteness from the Germanic languages, influence on English was notably limited.
American English

American English sometimes called United States English or U.S. English, is the
set of varieties of the English language native to the United States and widely adopted
in Canada. English is the most widely spoken language in the United States and is the
common language used by the federal government, considered the de facto language
of the country because of its widespread use. English has been given official status by
32 of the 50 state governments.

Australian English

Australian English is a major variety of the English language, used throughout

Australia. Although English has no official status in the constitution, Australian English is
the country’s national and de facto official language as it is the first language of the
majority of the population.

Australian English began to diverse from British English after the founding of the
Colony of New South Wales in 1788 and was recognized as being different from British
English by 1820. It arose from the intermingling of early settlers from a great variety of
mutually intelligible dialectal regions of the British Isles and quickly developed into a
distinct variety of English.

Canadian English

Canadian English is the set of varieties of the English language native to

Canada. According to the 2011 census, English was the first language of approximately
19 million Canadians (57 % of the population) the remainder of the population were
native speakers of Canadian French (22%) or other languages (allophones, 21%).

The term “Canadian English” is first attested in speech by the Reverend A.

Constable Geikie in an address to the Canadian Institution in 1857. Canadian English is
the product of five waves of immigration and settlement over a period of more than two
centuries. The first large wave of permanent English-speaking settlement in Canada,
and linguistically the most important, was the influx of loyalists fleeing the American
Revolution, chiefly from the Mid-Atlantic States-as such, New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia.
Canadian English is believed by some scholars to have derived from northern American
English.

Indian English

English language public instruction began in India in the 1830s during the rule of
the East India Company (India was then, and is today, one of the most linguistically
diverse regions of the world). In 1835, English replaced Persian as the official language
of the company. Lord Macaulay played a major role in introducing English and western
concepts to education in India. He supported the replacement of Persian by English as
the official language, the use of English as the medium of instruction in all schools, and
the training of English-speaking Indians as teachers.

The view of the English language among many Indians has gone from
associating it with colonialism to associating it with economic progress, and English
continues to be an official language of India, albeit with an Indian twist, popularly known
as Indian English.

Philippine English

Philippine English is any variety of English (similar and related to American

English) native to the Philippines, including those used by the media and the vast
majority of educated Filipinos, English is taught in schools as one of the two official
languages of the country, the other being Filipino (Tagalog now known as Filipino).

Philippine English has evolved tremendously from where it began decades ago.
Some decades before English was officially introduce, if not arguably forced, to the
Philippines, the archipelagic nation has been subject to Spanish rule and thus Spanish
was the language of power and influence. However, in 1898, when the Spanish gave
the United States control of the nation, the English language, although initially not
favored, became widely used in a matter of years, which was catalyzed by the coming
of American teachers.

Ugandan English

Ugandan English, or Uglish (pronounced you-glish), is the dialect of English

spoken in Uganda. As with similar dialects spoken elsewhere, Ugandan English has
developed a strong local flavor. The speech patterns of Ugandan languages strongly
influence spoken English. Uganda has a large variety of indigenous languages, and
someone familiar with Uganda can readily identify the native language of a person
speaking English. Ugandan speakers will alter foreign words to make them sound more
euphonic.
 Language Registers
By: Jesus Perry L. Caudilla

According to Eaton (2012), language or speech register is the level of formality or

informality with which people converse with one another. The choice of language
register depends on communication situations and people involved.
Here are pieces of information about the five types of language or speech
registers.

Frozen Register

 Literally “frozen” in time and form: rarely or never changes and often learned and
repeated by rote.
 Quality is static.
 Ritualistic and may even be archaic.
 Most formal communicative style used in respectful situation or formal
ceremonies.
 Does not require any feedback from the audience.
Examples:

 Anthems and Pledges

 Alma Mater song
 Marriage ceremonies
 Speeches for state ceremonies
 Prayers like The Lord’s Prayer
 Laws unless amended

Formal Register

 Language is standard-avoids slang and may use technical or academic

vocabulary.
 Speaker uses complete sentences.
 Is likely that the speaker will use fewer contractions.
 Used for most academic and scientific publishing.
Examples:

 Sermons
 Rhetorical statements and questions
 Speeches
 Pronouncements made by judges
 Announcements

Consultative Register
  The normal style for speaking to strangers or persons who are neither
acquaintances nor friends or relatives.
 Two defining features:
 The speaker supplies background information – he does not assumes that
he will be understood without it: and
 The listener participates continuously.
 Uses feedback and listener participation- the speaker depends on the listener’s
responses in deciding whether he is being understood.
 Used in semi-formal communication, and uses titles such as “Doctor”, “Mr.”,
“Mrs.”, “Atty.”, etc.
 Words are general but precise, rather than technical.
 Conversational in tone. Interruptions can occur during the communication.
 Speaker does not usually plan what he wants to say like in an advance.
 Sentences tend to be shorter and spontaneous.
Examples: A communication between
 a superior and a subordinate
 a doctor and a patient
 a lawyer and a client
 a lawyer and a judge
 a teacher and a student
 a counselor and a counselee

Casual Register

 Used among friends and acquaintances that does not require background
information.
 No social barriers required.
 Very relaxed and focused on just getting the information.
 Conversational in tone. Interruptions can occur during the communication.
 Used in informal situation and uses informal language- slangs, vulgarities, and
colloquialisms are normal and quite often used.
 Used when getting to know someone on a more personal level, or you want the
person to feel at ease.
Examples:
 Chat with buddies
 Emails or letters to friends
 Blogs
 Phrases like-
o “I’m doin’ it my way.” (doing)
o “Lemme go”. (Let me go)
o “Watcha gonna do?” (What are you going to do?)
o “Wassup”. (What’s up?)

Intimate Register
  A non-public speech style.
 Used by family members and very close friends.
 Meaning is shared even without “correct linguistic forms”- grammar correctness
is unnecessary.
 Uses private vocabulary- personal language codes, terms of endearment and
name callings.
 Also the language used in sexual harassment.
 Best avoided in public and professional situations.
 Characterized by an economy of words, with a high incidence of significant
nonverbal communication such as gestures, facial expression, eye contact, etc.
 Free and easy participation of both speaker and listener, and is far more
elliptical.
Example: Canadians tend to be culturally informal. They are more likely to
address their boss by their first name and use a casual register more than any
other ((Storti, 2001)

The Importance of Knowing When and How to Move between Registers

From: Language Register and Why it Matters
By: Sarah Elaine Eaton

A speaker may move from one register to another with ease. For example, it is
not uncommon for Canadian teachers to address one another casually in the staff room,
and then adopt a more consultative register when speaking with a parent or school
board trustee.
If one register is expected and another is presented, the result can be either that
offense is taken (or intended) or a comic response. For example, on the TV show “Big
Bang Theory”, Sheldon’s character often uses the higher consultative register with his
friends, as well as everyone else. He sometimes seems “stuck” in the world of high-level
vocabulary, unable to speak in the lower casual register that his friends use among
themselves. The result is comedic. The audience laughs at his social awkwardness and
inability to understand that he can (and should) adapt his speech to different contexts.
In contrast to Sheldon’s academic speech, some researchers have found that
those living in poverty are more likely to be “stuck” at the casual register. They are less
likely to have developed the skills at the consultative or formal language registers. Or if
they do know how to use the higher registers, it feels inauthentic to do so, like wearing a
suit that does not fit properly. As a result, those living in poverty may disregard the
higher registers or simply refuse to use them in their speech and writing. This, in turn,
may inhibit them from advancing in their work and ultimately, getting out of poverty. The
same may also apply to professional looking for advancement or aspiring scholars who
wish to publish their work.
For professional and academic writing, the formal or at the very least, the
consultative register, is appropriate.
Knowing what the various registers are, how to differentiate between them and
when to use which one increases your chances of being accepted by groups and
speakers in a variety of contexts.
 Bias-Free Language
By: Jesus Perry L. Caudilla

In speaking and writing, it is important that bias is avoided. You must not attempt
to use discriminatory words or remarks that either degrade or elevate people based on
your assumptions on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities and religion of
the recipient of your communication. In other words, the use of bias-free language is
essential in a bias-free communication so that it will not result to offending your
audience.
Locker (2006) defined bias-free language as “language that is sensitive to
people’s sex, race, age, physical condition and many other categories. Bias-free
language does not discriminate and therefore includes all readers in a fair and friendly
manner”. Failure to use bias-free language in communication may lead to disturbance of
message, thus it is necessary to select your words carefully. In addition, all
communications should be inclusive and diverse.

Here are some guidelines for bias-free communications

Gender

1. Use gender-neutral or inclusive terms to refer to people.

Use this Avoid this

people, humanity, human beings man, mankind
chair, chairperson, moderator chairman
staff the operation man the operation
labor, human resources, workforce, manpower
staff, personnel
ordinary terms layman’s terms
manufactured, synthetic, artificial manmade
spokesperson spokesman
salesperson, sales clerk salesman, sales lady

2. Don’t use gender-bias pronouns

Use this Avoid this

Each employee should hand in a Each employee should hand in his
business report by… business report by…
You should hand in your business Each employee should hand in his
report by…. business report by…
Guidance counselors give advice to Guidance counselor gives advice to
 their students… her students…
When talking to customers, ask them When talking to a customer, ask
to give… him/her to give…

Age, Class and Size

1. Refer to a person’s age only when it is relevant to the message.

Relevant Irrelevant
The professors, 35 and 40, have been Dr. Cansancio, 25, has been promoted to
promoted. a new post. She is the youngest
President the university has ever had.

2. Intellectual, physical and emotional abilities are not qualified based on age, so
don’t use words that underestimate people.

Appropriate Inappropriate
Ten-year old Stephen continues to Ten-year old Stephen still finds it difficult
improve his ability to read and write. to read and write.

3. Preferred and Problematic Language

Preferred Problematic
people of advanced age, old people older people, elders, seniors, senior
citizen
person who lacks advantages that others poor person, person from the ghetto/slum
have, low economic status related to a
person’s education, occupation and
income
person living at or below the poverty line, poor person, poverty-stricken person
people experiencing poverty
person of material wealth rich
people of size obese, overweight people

Race, Ethnicity, Culture and Immigrant Status

1. Unless important, never identify people by race or ethnic group.

Appropriate Inappropriate
Randy Santos, the student from Randy Santos, the black Aeta from
Pinatubo, always submits his research Pinatubo, always submits his research
 paper before the deadline. paper before the deadline.
Randy Beltran, a professor of Chemistry, Randy Beltran, an Igorot professor of
has recently obtained his doctorate Chemistry, has recently obtained his
degree. doctorate degree.

2. Preferred and Problematic Language

Preferred Problematic
person of color colored, non-white
person who is blind/visually impaired blind person, “dumb”
international people foreigners
undocumented immigrant or worker, illegal alien
person seeking asylum, refugee

Disabilities

1. Put people first, not their disabilities

Appropriate Inappropriate
The receptionist, who is hard-of hearing, The deft receptionist can do her duties
can do her duties competently. competently.

2. People are more important than their disabilities

Relevant Irrelevant
The new manager will talk from The new manager, who’s been battling
experience about interpersonal polio since childhood, will discuss a new
communication at the workplace. He has set of workplace rules and regulations.
hearing impairment since childhood.

3. Preferred and Problematic Language

Preferred Problematic
“non-disabled” is the preferred term for normal, able-bodied, healthy or whole
people without disabilities
person who is blind/ visually impaired blind person, “dumb”
person who is learning disabled, person retarded, slow, brain-damaged, special
who has a cognitive disability education student
someone of short stature, little person dwarf, midget
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

1. “Gender Orientation” and “sexual orientation” are preferred to “sexual

preference”. The latter puts sex as focus of relationship and being homosexual,
bisexual or heterosexual is a matter of choice.
2. Preferred and Problematic Language

Preferred Problematic
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity “Sexual Preference” is used to suggest
that being gay or lesbian is voluntary and
therefore “curable”
Gay, Lesbian, Same Gender Loving “Homosexual” is an outdated clinical term
(SGL) considered derogatory and offensive to
many gays and lesbians.
Sexual Reassignment Surgery (SRS), Sex Change
Gender Reaffirming Surgery, Gender
Confirming Surgery

Using bias-free language in communication can lead to better message exchange and
stronger relationship with those whom we work with in the academic, business, civic
and other fields.

Reference:

Caudilla & Cansancio, Purposive Communication, 2019

Books Atbp. Publishing Corporation
ISBN 978-621-409-141-6