Lesson 4 - Communicative Styles

What is It
Activity 2:
Answer the following questions. Write your answer on separate sheet of
paper.
1. Were you able to say the appropriate word in the given situation?
How?
2. Does the way you speak to a friend differ from talking to a

guidance counselor? Why or Why not?
With the activity you’ve done a while ago, you found out that a certain
manner or style should be applied to specific person/s you are speaking with.
Further, interacting with others requires the use of a particular style of speaking
which is called communicative (speech) style. It indicates the level of formality
with which the person speaks.
A Dutch linguist Martin Joos cited five types of communicative styles.

These are intimate, casual, consultative, formal, and frozen. These
communicative styles are also called language registers.
Intimate Communicative Style
The intimate communicative style is defined as total absence of social

interactions. This style is used by participants who know each other well or share
a very close relationship, such as between close friends, siblings, husband and
wife, parents and children, and boyfriend and girlfriend.
The participants in this style do not need for clear articulation of words or
additional explanations. They may use words of endearment such as babe, love,
dear, honey as a sign of intimacy.
Husband: Hon, have you seen my red cap?

Wife: Uhmm, I guess it is in the closet.
Husband: Thanks, hon, I’ll check it.
Wife: Okay, hon.
Casual Communicative Style
The casual communicative style uses a language used between friends,

peers, colleagues, or family. Most of the ambience with this style is relaxed and
very light. And so, the participants may use group language only members of the
group can understand. Jargon, slang, or the vernacular language are used. The
4
tone is conversational and interruptions are very common. Also, nicknames are
used in addressing one another.
Classmate 1: Hey! What’s up? You seem so very busy.

Classmate 2: Yes, I have to finish some things up.
Classmate 1: Oh, I see.. Wanna come for a milktea at the canteen?
Classmate 2: That’s interesting! I wish I could but I need to do this ASAP.
Classmate 1: Okay, just catch up when you’re done!
Consultative Communicative Style
The consultative speech style happens in a two-way participation. It is

used in semi-formal situations in which a speaker needs to provide background
information. The listener participates by giving feedback. Thus, both the speaker
and the listener are active participants.
Take note that this style is often used in business or in other professional
situations, such as conversations between a doctor and a patient, or a teacher
and a student.
In addition, short responses like I see and Ah may be used to signal that
he or she is listening attentively or has understood what was tackled. Titles such
as Mr., Ms., Sir, Ma’am, Madam, or Dr. are likely to be used when using this
communicative style. This communicative style is the most operational among
others.
Situation: A patient is consulting a doctor.
Patient: Good morning, Dr. Garcia.

Dr. Garcia: Hi, how have you been feeling?
Patient: I have stomachache and LBM since last night.
Dr. Garcia: What did you eat yesterday?
Patient: I ate some “kwek-kwek” and siomai with my friends after the class.
Dr. Garcia: Likely, you ate contaminated food. I am prescribing some medicine to
control the diarrhea. . .
Patient: Thank you, Doc.
5
Formal Communicative Style
The formal communicative style is also considered to be a straightforward

speech. There is no participation from the listener.
This style is often used in the following formal situations where there is
only one-way communication:
Speeches
School lessons
Graduation ceremony
A television newscast
Giving announcements
A business meeting
An interview or in a classroom
Used for academic and business writing
The enunciation of words, diction and grammar rules should be applied

properly. Thus, errors must be avoided. Ideas are presented cohesively and all
necessary information are clearly given.
Let’s take a look at the following sample lines using formal communicative
style in different situations:
Greetings Making Suggestions/ Giving advise

a. “Hello, Good morning.” -Would you please allow me to
b. “How are you doing?” make suggestions?
c. “I hope everything is fine To say goodbye or good night
with you.” -Goodbye, Mrs. Pineda.
To show approval or excitement -Good night, Mr. Cruz.
-That is terrific to hear!
Frozen Communicative Style
The frozen communicative style, also called the oratorical style, is the most
formal style and is reserved for very formal situations such as during weddings,
other religious services or rituals, court proceedings, and other formal ceremonies.
This style is used to address or is given before an audience of absolute strangers.
It uses prescribed and highly formal language.
In this style, statements are learned by heart. Examples are the Pledge of
Allegiance and the National Anthem. It is typically prescribed by law, or it is a
ritual that involves certain fixed statements (verbatim) that are never changed.
The following is an example.
6
Pledge of Allegiance
I am a Filipino
I pledge my allegiance
To the flag of the Philippines
And to the country it represents
With honor, justice and freedom
Put in motion by one nation
For God, humanity,
nature and
country.
Process Question:
Did you enjoy reading? Have you already

determined the appropriate communicative style
to be used in various situations?
What’s More
Activity 3:
Directions: Identify the type of communicative style appropriate for the following
situations. Write your answer on separate sheet of paper.
1. reciting DepEd Vision
2. reading school policies
3. talking to a new friend
4. inquiring at the library
5. delivering news reports
6. asking something from your neighbor
7. talking to your groupmates
8. delivering a valedictory address
9. talking and laughing about memorable experiences
10. sending an inquiry to your teacher through messenger

Lesson 4 - Communicative Styles

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Lesson 4 - Communicative Styles

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Lesson 4 - Communicative Styles

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What is It

2. Does the way you speak to a friend differ from talking to a

A Dutch linguist Martin Joos cited five types of communicative styles.

Intimate Communicative Style

The intimate communicative style is defined as total absence of social

Husband: Hon, have you seen my red cap?

Casual Communicative Style

The casual communicative style uses a language used between friends,

Classmate 1: Hey! What’s up? You seem so very busy.

Consultative Communicative Style

The consultative speech style happens in a two-way participation. It is

Situation: A patient is consulting a doctor.

Patient: Good morning, Dr. Garcia.

The formal communicative style is also considered to be a straightforward

The enunciation of words, diction and grammar rules should be applied

Greetings Making Suggestions/ Giving advise

Frozen Communicative Style

Did you enjoy reading? Have you already

You might also like