Module 2: Language and Community
Objective 8: assess the use of registers, dialects and other aspects of language in various
types of interactive settings
Language in Society
Register, Dialects, and Other Aspects of Language in Interactive Settings
Language use varies depending on factors such as audience, message, purpose, occasion,
gender, and age. These factors influence the choice of register, dialect, and other
communicative behaviours.
1. Register: The level of formality or informality in language use.
o Formal register: Used in professional, academic, and ceremonial settings
(e.g., business meetings, academic writing, legal documents).
o Informal register: Used in casual conversations (e.g., chatting with friends,
text messages).
o Frozen register: Fixed, unchanging language (e.g., national anthems,
religious scriptures).
o Consultative register: Semi-formal interactions (e.g., doctor-patient
conversations, teacher-student interactions).
o Intimate register: Private conversations between close individuals (e.g.,
family members, close friends).
2. Dialect: A variety of language influenced by geographical, social, or cultural factors.
o Geographical dialects: Variations based on location (e.g., Jamaican Patois vs.
Bajan Creole).
o Social dialects: Variations influenced by social class, education, and
profession.
o Ethnic dialects: Variations influenced by ethnic background.
3. Communicative Behaviors in Interactive Settings
o Audience: Language must be adjusted based on who is being addressed (e.g.,
speaking differently to a child vs. an employer).
o Message: The content and intention of communication dictate language
choices (e.g., persuasive, informative, entertaining).
o Purpose: Communication serves various functions (e.g., instructing, advising,
expressing emotion).
o Occasion: Formality is influenced by context (e.g., wedding speech vs. casual
gathering).
o Gender: Studies suggest that men and women may have different
communication styles, affecting word choice and tone.
o Age: Younger individuals may use slang and digital shorthand, while older
speakers may prefer more traditional forms.
Module 2: Language and Community
Objective 9: assess the impact of technological advances on communication
Technology, Culture, and Communication
Developments in Communication Technology
1. Printed Material: Books, letters, newspapers, and memos have been fundamental in
written communication, allowing for documentation and mass dissemination of ideas.
2. Telecommunication Devices:
o Telegram, telephone, facsimile (fax), pager: Early technologies that
facilitated long-distance communication.
o Radio and television: Brought mass communication to audio and visual
formats, influencing public opinion and culture.
3. Computers and Mobile Devices:
o Computers, cellular phones, tablets, phablets: Enabled digital
communication, making messaging and data storage more efficient.
4. New Media and Digital Platforms:
o Internet, browsers, search engines: Provided global access to information
and interactive content.
o Social networking tools: Platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook,
WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok transformed interpersonal and mass
communication.
Importance of Traditional and Digital Media in Documenting Caribbean Linguistic
Practices
Traditional and digital media have played a role in preserving Caribbean dialects and
languages.
Efforts have been made to document and revitalize endangered languages through
online dictionaries, linguistic databases, and media content.
Digital platforms provide a space for regional dialects to flourish, allowing broader
exposure and recognition of linguistic diversity.
Positive and Negative Impacts of Technological Advances
1. Positive Impacts:
o Cost: Digital communication reduces expenses related to printing and
distribution.
o Speed of Dissemination: Information spreads instantly through digital
channels.
o Access: Widespread internet connectivity increases access to education and
information.
o Production Volume: High efficiency allows for greater content creation and
sharing.
o Need for Technical Expertise: Encourages digital literacy and innovation.
2. Negative Impacts:
o Limited or No Access: Some regions lack broadband infrastructure, leading
to digital inequity.
o Plagiarism: Increased ease of copying content without proper attribution.
o Fake News, Propaganda, Conspiracy Theories: Rapid spread of
misinformation undermines trust in media.
Influence of Technology on Cultural Communication Practices in the Caribbean
Hybridization of Language: Digital media promotes a mix of standard and local
dialects (e.g., use of Caribbean Creole in social media).
Globalization vs. Cultural Identity: Exposure to global media influences linguistic
and cultural expressions.
Virtual Community Building: Caribbean communities connect online, preserving
and sharing cultural traditions.
Inappropriate Use of Digital Content
Emojis & Text Spelling: May lead to misunderstandings in professional contexts.
Inappropriate Email Addresses: Unprofessional identifiers can hinder job prospects
(e.g.,
[email protected]).
Digital Etiquette: Understanding appropriate language use in formal and informal
digital settings is essential.
