LESSON 2B:

World Englishes and Language

Registers

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Compiler:

ROMELEEN S. GO-VELA, MAEd

Faculty Member, Department of Languages

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 OVERVIEW:

This lesson was developed to provide you, students, with discussions and tasks to
help you be more aware of and familiar with the World Englishes and registers of English in
the written and spoken contexts. This lesson delivers essays or expositions, and meaningful
tasks on the status and role of English as a global language, and the appropriate use of English
in various contexts and settings. Thus, it offers opportunities to advance your interpersonal
communication skills suitable in global communication.
This lesson has 2 major contents:
1.1 World Englishes: American English, British English and Philippine English
1.1.1 Definition of World Englishes
1.1.2 Distinct Features of World Englishes
1.1.3 World Englishes vs Standard English
1.2. Language Registers
1.2.1. Types of Register
1.2.2. Comparison/Contrast: Formal vs. Informal

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Having successfully completed this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Determine culturally-appropriate terms, and expressions with sensitivity to gender,
race, class, etc.;
2. Explain the idea of World Englishes used in global communication;
3. Adopt and use bias-free language in communicating ideas.

Your Guide to this lesson:

To make your learning experience more meaningful as you go along lesson 2,please
follow these instructions:
• read and understand each part of the lesson carefully;
• follow the instructions carefully as you do the tasks;
• determine expressions or word(s),grammar, spelling and pronunciation that are
Philippine English, American English and British English;
• compare and contrast the World Englishes discussed in the lesson;
• find more examples about expressions or words, grammar construction,spelling and
pronunciation for Philippine English, American English and British English;
• determine the different types of registers of English;
• communicate ideas appropriate in a given situation;

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 • Cite your sources properly, following the APA format (See the PDF copy in separate
file name APA 7TH EDITION);
• Learn through the lessons with honesty and integrity.

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 Lesson 2b.1: World Englishes

This lesson focuses on the World Englishes with special attention to the American
English, British English and Philippine English. You will read an essay that explains the role
and status of world Englishes, and the importance of intelligibility in global communication.
Within the essay, certain tasks will be given to you for further understanding of the concept of
World Englishes.

Lesson Outcomes:
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Explain the idea of World Englishes used in global communication;

2. Determine expressions or word(s), spelling and pronunciation that are Philippine
English, American English and British English;
3. Use bias-free language in writing.

Reading

World Englishes
by Romeleen Go-Vela
English as a global language has branched out
to many variations because different countries use
English for various purposes and function. For example,
it is used as the language in business, media, science
and technology, education among others. In addition,
English is also used as either as a first language,
second language, or foreign language, hence,it has
become distinct from one country to another. According
to Bhatt (2001), English has evolved because of
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“nativization”, which implies that the users of the
939771288615/
language adapt it into their culture, incorporate it in their
linguistic features that brought about the emergence of
World Englishes. Similarly, Madrunio and Martin
specified that World Englishes, also called varieties of
English actually stands for the localized varieties of
English as they are used or spoken in certain areas.

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 .The two most distinguished varieties of the English language are the British English
(BE) spoken and written in the United Kingdom, and the American English (AE), sometimes
called United States English or U.S. English. These two varieties have etched their influence
because, aside from their history of imperialism, they have pragmatic use in global business.
However, several Englishes have sprouted, especially that English is used as a global
language. Mufwene (2010, as cited in Tonio, 2018) stated that “much of this evolution can be
attributed as much to the prescription of English as a second or foreign language in secondary
schools of almost every country of the outer and expanding circle." Countries such as Japan,
South Korea and China study English as a foreign language because of its importance in
international business or in the global community. Some countries perceive the significance
of English in their scientific progress or professional advancement. “World Englishes: An
Introduction” (n.d.) affirms that “languages develop to fulfil the needs of the societies that use
them. Because societies contain a diverse range of social needs, and because these needs
can differ across cultures and geographies, multiple varieties of the English
language exist.” Thus, English has been localized or even customized to suit the needs of a
society, which created varieties of the English language, thus, the world Englishes. Examples
of world Englishes are Nigerian English, Japanese English, Singaporean English, Indian
English, Philippine English and other varieties of English.

Examples of World Englishes

The World Englishes have characteristics or features different from one another
because of societal and cultural aspects. Bautista and Gonzales (2006, as cited in Madrunio
& Martin, 2018), explained that the structural characteristics of these new varieties are brought
about by the mother tongue or home languages of those who learn or acquire English. Indeed
these are evident in the varieties of English.
For instance, Japanese English maintains the sound of Japanese when English words
are used. For example, basketball is pronounced as basuketuboru; pineapple is enunciated
as paynaporu; McDonald (fastfood chain), is articulated as Makodonalodo; Philippines is
spoken as Firipin. Moreover, Japanese English has unique words or expressions. For
example, baiking restaurant, which is derived from the word Viking, indicates an all-you-can-
eat or buffet restaurant. Another example is mansion, in which, in Japanese English does not
actually mean a huge and luxurious house, but a condominium-style apartment complex; while
glamorous does not mean fashionable or stylish but voluptuous.
Indian English is also unique. Baker’s (2015) article, Ten Surprising Expressions in
Indian English, provides some examples:

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 “I passed out of college”. Pass out has little to do with fainting or falling
unconscious. It is a way of saying “I graduated in college”.
“My neighbour is foreign-returned.” Foreign-returned means returning to India
after living in another country.
“My teacher is sitting on my head” is a colloquial way of complaining “My teacher
is stressing me out.”
Another example is Singapore English which has the words actsy to mean show off,
chop for rubber stamps, graduate mothers for well-educated married women (Madrunio &
Martin, 2018).

Australian English is distinct from other Englishes. Moore (n.d.) pointed out that
Australian English differs from other Englishes primarily in its accent and vocabulary.
According to an article in https://www.lexico.com/explore/australian-vocabulary, Australian
English has a number of culturally important terms that developed towards the end of
nineteenth century. Some of the examples are the following:
Battler - usually refers to a person who works hard to make a decent living in difficult
circumstances.
Dinkum - means reliable, genuine, honest, true.
Bonzer – excellent; first-rate
Cobber – a companion or friend
Rort – a fraudulent or dishonest act or practice.

American English, British English and Philippine English

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There are more variations of the English language. Even American English and British
English are unique from each other. The article “Differences Between British and American
English” (n.d.) explains that the English varieties of the United States and the United Kingdom
have differences in spelling, vocabulary and grammar. In addition, “British vs American
English” (n.d.) emphasizes the languages’ uniqueness in pronunciation, and punctuation. The
following table shows examples of the differences between American English and British
English.

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 Aspect American English British English

truck lorry
Words/expressions sweater jumper

French fries chips

sneakers trainers

-ed (past tense) -t (past tense)

burned burnt
dreamed dreamt

-ense- (e.g. defense, -ence- (eg. Defence, offence,

offense, license) licence)

-ize (e.g organize, -ise (e.g. organise, familiarise,

familiarize, appetizer) appetiser)
Spelling
-og (e.g. monolog, analog, -ogue (e.g. monologue, analogue,
catalog) catalogue)

-o- (e.g. color, mold, favor) -ou- (e.g. colour, mould, favour)

-er (eg. Center, theater, -re (e.g. centre, theatre, fibre)

fiber)

Grammar I’d like to take a bath. I’d like to havea bath.

August 10, 2020 10 August 2020

Date or 8/10/2020 or 10/8/2020

10:30 – uses colon in writing 10.30 – uses period in writing

time time
Punctuation In titles – AE use period (eg., In titles, periods are omitted
Ms. Mr., Dr.)
(eg, Ms, Mr, Dr)

Pronunciation Center sounds like SENER Centre sounds like SENTUH

The Philippine English, similarly, has its own uniqueness in usage. Even though
Philippine English is based on American English, it has features different from the latter. The
reason for this is that most Filipinos are not native speakers of the English language; when
the language is learned or acquired, it is assimilated with the Filipino language. Furthermore,
Tonio (2018) stated that “the English language, which was later learned by generations of
Filipino learners from Filipino second-language learners trained by other Filipino language
learners, had developed its own linguistic features, currently known as Philippine English”.
Bautista (2000a, as cited in Borlonga, 2017) defines Philippine English:

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 It is a nativized variety of English that has features which differentiate it from
Standard American English because of the influence of the first language
(specifically in pronunciation […] but occasionally in grammar), because of the
different culture in which the language is embedded (expressed in lexicon and in
discourse conventions), and because of a restructuring of some grammar rules
(manifested in the grammar).

Philippine English has distinctive words or expressions, use, and pronunciation. It

contains words that are solely used and accepted in the Philippines such as comfort room
which refers to restroom, or washroom; ice drop for popsicle; watch out, (like in the sentence,
Watch out for the concert) means to wait (with excitement). In American English, watch out
is to warn someone of danger (e.g. Watch out for the fast car going towards your direction!).
Here are more examples of Philippine English:

Philippine English Generally understood

Expression/word expression
I’ll go ahead. I’m leaving.
Last (to mean previous date) On March 16
example, last March 16
Bottomless (drink) Refillable

Brownout (electricity) Blackout

Hand carry Carry-on baggage/luggage

Aside from the words and expressions solely used in Philippine English, the
pronunciation of words also differ from the prescribed pronunciation in American English
dictionaries. Filipino words, when pronounced, are syllabicated. For example, mansanas,
kalusugan, Pilipino- all syllables are equally enunciated. So, when we, Filipinos pronounce
English words, we also tend to syllabicate them. In addition, the Filipino language does not
discriminate the sounds of long ee and lax or loose /i/, so, in spoken form, lalake has the same
meaning as lalaki, babae/ babai, marame/marami. Thus, for us, the pronunciation of sheep
and ship, leap and lip, seat and sit are the same. Whereas, native speakers of American
English pronounce those words distinctively with long ee, and loose i, to signify the differences
in words and their equivalent meanings.

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 So, What is the Place of Standard English in the World Englishes?

Even though many versions of the English language have the same function and use,
they do not have the same prestige. “Variations in English” (n.d.) states that the prestige of a
variety of English lies in the social value given to it as the language of education, the law,
public administration and so on. In our country, Philippine English is the norm in the
government, academe, law, and media, so it has prestige and is recognized in our country. As
stated previously, Philippine English is based on American English, but the former has distinct
characters different from the latter. A headline in a Philippine newspaper that reads, “A Man
Found Salvaged in a River”, is bad news; but for the American media, it is good news. In our
English variety, salvaged commonly means murdered, while in the American English, it means
saved. Filipinos understand the denotation, and would be perplexed why Americans would be
happy with a man who was salvaged. In other words, Philippine English nonetheless related
to American English, is used, acknowledged and understood by Filipinos, hence, the
prestige. The same applies with other World Englishes such as South African English, Indian
English, Singaporean English, and Nigerian English in their countries.
Thus, in the context of World Englishes, the role of Standard English advocated before
could be very minimal, if not non-existent now. McCrum (1986) pointed out that “we should
not talk of English but of many Englishes.” It supports the fact that the many versions of English
used all over the world are useful and serve the needs of a society, therefore, must be
acknowledged. Moreover, Gilsdorf (2002) specified that the UK, the US and Australia do not
own English; no one nation or culture is in charge of English now. Moreover, Widdowson
(1994, as cited in Kilickaya, 2009) pointed out:

How English develops in the world is no business whatsoever of native

speakers in England, the United States, or anywhere else. They have no say
in the matter, no right to intervene or pass judgment. They are irrelevant. The
very fact that English is an international language means that no nation can
have custody over it.

However, World Englishes could also pose problems in terms of intelligibility in an

international setting. In this case, when people from other cultures interact, misunderstanding
and conflict could arise. Thus, it is important to have a form of intervention to be able to
communicate intelligibly. For business and other international purposes, a core of English has
to remain understandable to all English users (Gisldorf, 2002). Similarly, for communication to
occur across cultures through the use of English, speakers of diverse varieties of English must

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draw upon the features of English they have in common in order to make themselves
understood (Clement, 2011). Therefore, “to be intelligible in the global setting, speakers of
World Englishes should avoid informal, colloquial or regional words in favor of generally
understood expressions, use correct grammatical structure, follow consistent spelling and
punctuations” (Uychoco & Santos, 2018). Moreover, to meet the most important principle of
communication, which is to communicate for understanding, the users of English should
develop tolerance and/or acceptance of these linguistic differences, and adapt to global
context and situations.
In summary, the English language evolves and transforms according to the necessities of a
society, and that not one society or culture can claim that its variety is superior to others. A
variety of English is acceptable and comprehensible in one’s place, but it could be ambiguous
in another. Therefore, it would be safe to have a little knowledge of other World Englishes to
determine and understand that other versions have different linguistic features, thus, it could
help as mediation for intelligibility. In addition, more awareness and recognition of the
Englishes could be sufficient to advocate for intelligibility and harmony among members of the
global community.

CONGRATULATIONS! This is the end of the lesson in World Englishes.

Next lesson: Language Registers

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 2b.2: Language Registers

In this lesson, you will learn the registers of language, or the level of formality in
language that you use in various situations, and features of formal writing. There are five
types of registers: frozen, formal, casual, consultative, and intimate. Here, you will be provided
with a reading material, and tasks to help you be familiar with the use and importance of level
of formality in language.

Lesson Outcomes:
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Define language register;

2. Identify the types of register used in different contexts;
3. Infer the significance of using levels of formality in communication;
4. Classify formal and informal words or expressions;
5. Use bias-free language in writing.

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 Reading

Language Registers
by Romeleen Go-Vela

In your daily interaction with others, you probably express yourself differently to various
kinds of people. Your choice of words, the tone of your voice, even your gestures or body
language may differ from one circumstance to another depending on who you are talking to,
where you are, what your topic is, or what your purpose is in communicating with others. You
might not know it but you are using the language register.
Register is a variety of language defined according to its use in social situations
(Crystal, 2008, as cited in Madrunio & Martin, 2018). Nordquist (2019) explained that register
in linguistics, also called stylistic variation, is the way a speaker uses language differently in
different circumstances. He also stated that the different kinds of formality used in
communication, whether spoken, written or signed, are dictated by factors like social occasion,
context, purpose, and audience. For example, you greet your friend by saying “Hey, you!” but
“Good morning/afternoon” to your professor. Or you politely smile to acknowledge a non-
acquaintance, but make funny faces to your close friend or sibling.

Talking with friends Job Interview

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https://resources.workable.com/closing-interview-
happy-friends-talking-and-eating-ice-creams-in-the-
questions
street.html

According to Hermann (2015), to adjust the language in a certain scenario, you should look
into these considerations such as audience, topic, purpose, and location. Further explanation
is provided below.
1. Audience. Different audience require differing types of language. The way you speak to
a group who has the same age as you is different from your manner of speaking to a group
of professionals. In writing, you also modify the formality of the language, like the
vocabulary, and tone depending on who the writing is intended for.

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https://www.deluxe.com/sbrc/branding/how-to-use-workshops- Image credit:
lessons-and-classes-to-promote-your-business https://www.linkedin.com/company/young-audiences-
of-houston/

2. Topic. Subject areas and topics need particular

styles of speech and writing. Scientists,
educators, historians, artists, mathematicians,
and others use diverse styles in writing or
speaking about their respective topics. When
you write something about science or math,
usually, you should avoid elaborate and
symbolic expressions. You should be concise
with the points, descriptions, findings and discussions.

3. Purpose. You should clearly understand the purpose for writing or speaking. What is
your objective or intention? Is it to inform, persuade, entertain, argue, make a request,
or other purposes? By knowing your purpose, you will be able to choose appropriate
words to get your meaning across to your audience.

4. Location. Location, where the communication takes place, also dictates the formality of
your language. You use different expressions or words, and even, grammar structure
when you are in a fastfood restaurant, classroom, library, friend’s house, on the streets,
or formal event. You adjust your language register accordingly.

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 Hence, depending on the context, the kind of register you use can either be rigid, rich
in jargon, colloquial or regional, or intimate.

Types of Registers

There are five known registers used in various situations (Bernales et al, 2018).

1. Static- It is also known as frozen register. It refers to

historic language or communication that is intended to
remain unchanged, like a constitution or prayer.
Examples for this are The Bible, The Philippine
Constitution, literature, etc.
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2. Formal-The register used conforms to a formal and/or technical context such as

professional, academic or legal. The style used in this register is concise, constrained,
and respectful. It does not use colloquial or informal words.

Image credit
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encourage-employees-to-share-their-knowledge/ /research-methodlogy.html

3. Consultative –This allows a moderately formal language. It is used in situations such

as discussion among co-workers or peers about technical developments, consultative
meetings between a professor and student, lawyer and client, doctor and patient.
However, consultative register can also be casual if the situation calls for it (e.g., a
heart to heart talk between parent and child; or if a lawyer is a family friend).

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https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school- https://castleknockcc.ie/guidance-and-counselling/
notes/2015/02/02/3-ways-high-school-counselors-can-
help-students-parents

4. Casual/Informal–The language applied in this register is informal, the kind that is

commonly used among friends, which may be vulgar, colloquial, and relaxed.

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marina-social

5. Intimate–This is a very informal register usually reserved in private conversations in

intimate relationships like family members, husbands and wives, close friends,
partners, parents and children.

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m/love/Best-Friends-
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056797588592/

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 Comparison/contrast between formal and informal register

As a student, you will often adhere to formal register when writing for academic
purposes. Academic writing is complex because it is strict, rigid, concise, focused and
structured.
Formal register is appropriate in professional and academic writing. Formal writing
employs language style different from any everyday conversational tone, which is informal
(Henson, 2018). Examples of formal writing are business letters, professional emails,
researches, reports, official announcements and speeches, formal essays.
The following table next page shows the differences between formal and informal
register in writing, which can also be applied in speaking. Please read the content thoroughly.
Formal Informal

- Does not make use of contractions. -Uses contractions.

Examples:
It is expensive. Examples:
It’s expensive.
Adding variables does not change it.

- will not, do not, have not, is not

Adding variables doesn’t change it.

***Note: Apostrophes are not contractions. You - Won’t, don’t, haven’t, isn’t
use them to show ownership (e.g. Student’s
output, professor’s assessment, people’s choice

-Uses single verbs -Uses phrasal verbs

Some shampoos constitute natural and safe Some shampoos are made up of natural
components. and safe components.

The pandemic caused changes in our life. The pandemic brought about changes in
our life.
A group of students found out a new
A group of students discovered a new formula.
formula.

Go up, talk about, cut out, lots of/a lot of,

Increase, discuss, exclude, numerous, cancel call off

***Note: there are also phrasal verbs specifically

used for formal writing. Some examples are:
Engage in, discriminate against, pertain to,
adhere to, consist of, subjected to

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- Does not use slang, colloquial words, - Uses slang, colloquial words,
idioms, clichés idioms, clichés

Examples of Slang/colloquialism –
frenemy, bae, snowflake (someone
who is easily hurt or offended by
actions or statements of others), woke
(highly aware of social injustice),
YOLO, awesome, bitter (angry), epic
(highly enjoyable, e.g. The party was
epic.), raincheck, score (to get what
you want)
Examples of Idioms–
- bite off more than you can chew (To
try to do something that is too difficult
for you.)
- drive a hard bargain (You argue
hard to get a favorable deal.)
- bend over backwards
(To try please or accommodate
someone to an unusual degree)
- once in a blue moon (Something that
happens rarely.)

Examples of clichés
-All that glitters isn't gold
- Kiss and make up
- And they all lived happily ever after
- Read between the lines
- A waste of time
- Abbreviations and acronyms
As much as possible, you should avoid
abbreviations and acronyms.
Except if it is unavoidable and you need to use
abbreviations and acronyms, then remember
the following:
You can use them in
Introduce or explain every acronym or Informal situation.
abbreviation before using it in the text. The first
time you use the term, put the
acronym/abbreviation in parentheses after the
full term. Thereafter, you can use the
acronym/abbreviation.

Acronyms

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National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA)
Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
Department of National Defense (DND)
State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)

However, do not introduce an acronym unless You can use them in Informal
you will use it a minimum of three or four times in situation.
your essay/research. If it only appears once or
twice, write out the full term.

Abbreviations
For courtesy titles and academic degrees, almost
all are abbreviated. In American English,
abbreviated titles are followed by periods; in
British English, periods are omitted.

Titles
in American English:
Mister - Mr., Miss - Ms., Doctor - Dr.
Example: Dr. Gregorio permitted Mr. Vicente to
travel.

In British English:
Mr, Ms, Dr
Example: Dr Gregorio permitted Mr Vicente to
travel.

Academic Degrees
Master of Arts - M.A.
Bachelor of Arts - B.A.
Master of Business Administration - M.B.A.
Doctor of Philosophy - Ph.D.

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The periods are optional with abbreviations of You can use SMS or online text
academic degrees. Follow whichever style your acronyms/abbreviations in informal
style guide recommends, or just choose one and emails, chats or text messages.
use it consistently.
Example: BRB – be right back
(https://www.grammarly.com/blog/abbreviations/)
LOL – laughing out loud
IMHO – In my humble
opinion
Other examples of abbreviations: ITT – In this thread
Inch - in. NRN- No reply necessary
Centimeter – cm.
Influenza - flu

Please avoid using SMS or online

acronyms/abbreviations in school or work related
emails, academic outputs, and any context that
requires formal style.
- Write in third person point of view; avoid - Uses first person, second person,
first person or second person point of view. or third person point of view

When writing in third person point of view, you can

use the following:
First person point of view
I, me, us, we, our
Pronouns:
He, she, it, they, him, her, them, his, her,
Second person point of view
hers, its, their, and theirs
You, your

Common indefinite third person pronouns:

Individuals, people, students, a child, a man,
a woman, experts, the reader…

Other indefinite third person pronouns :

One, anyone, someone any, either, each

Avoid first person and second person point

of view:I you we me us your

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 ***Note: Eschewing the first and second person ***Informal writing has a personal tone.
points of view in formal writing, makes your
discussion non-personal and objective, thus,
credible.
Example:
Example:
I think the pandemic is the primary
It is clear that the pandemic is the primary
concern that will be discussed in the
concern that will be discussed in the meeting.
meeting.

Apart from the information in the table above, you will also have to use specific
vocabulary appropriate in a formal setting. Below are some words used in formal contexts and
their equivalent informal words.

Formal Informal

approximately about
As of 2018, the world population is As of 2018, the world population is about 7
approximately 7 billion. billion.

sufficient enough
Experts predict that food will not be sufficient Experts predict that food will not be enough
years from now. years from now.

obtain get
Students have to obtain the required general Students have to get the required general
weighted average to continue in their weighted average to continue in their
programs. programs.

repeatedly/provided Again and again/ gave

The Department of Health repeatedly The Department of Health, again and again,
provided public information on safety gave public information on safety protocols
protocols to prevent exposure to covid-19. to prevent exposure to covid-19.

verify check
The investigator has to verify her claim. The investigator has to check her claim.

Unhygienic Dirty
Many of the facilities in the cafeteria are
dirty, which poses risk to the health of

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 Many of the facilities in the cafeteria are employees.
unhygienic, which poses risk to the health of
employees.
Transitional devices
As well as, too, not only….but also….
Transitional devices
Additionally, furthermore, moreover
In the same way

Similarly, equally
Even though, but

However, regardless (of this), nonetheless

So, so much (so) that, as a result (of this),
because of this
Therefore, thus, accordingly, hence,
consequently

Moreover, when you use the formal register to write for academic and/or professional
purposes, ensure that you write in complete and grammatically correct sentences.

What is the significance of language registers to communication?

Understanding the types of language register will guide you in making effective
message for an audience. You will be able to adjust the language that you use in a particular
situation. For instance, if you are writing an academic paper such as a research, thesis or
report, you are expected to use a formal register. This means you have to avoid words or
expressions that you commonly use with peers. You must also avoid using SMS or online
words/expressions like w8, IMHO, FYI, etc. Using overly casual register in your academic
paper could affect its tone and your credibility. However, if you also use formal register in an
informal or causal situation, you will appear pretentious or rigid. Hence, it is important to be
aware of the types of register and to apply any of them in a given situation. Doing so will make
you a competent, eloquent, and well-liked communicator, whether written or spoken, for
various purposes.

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Nordquist, R. (2019, July 25). What is register in
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