A register is a small storage unit that provides fast access to data in a computer’s central processing unit (CPU). It’s an intermediate form of memory and is usually made up of flip-flops. It plays a critical role in the speed at which a CPU can perform arithmetic logic and other processing operations by allowing it to hold frequently used values locally rather than retrieving them from main memory every time. Registers are also important in embedded systems, which are self-contained computer systems inside devices like cars and household appliances.
A person may register in various ways, such as signing a document or applying for a certain type of license. A company must also regularly file information about its financial status and other details with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Linguists divide language into several registers, each of which has a different social and cultural context. For example, a person may speak in formal register in a workplace or during a professional meeting and informal register when conversing with friends. A written document might be written in either formal or informal register, depending on the purpose and audience. The formal register is associated with standardised versions of the English language and is often used to address people in positions of authority, such as headteachers or police officers. It is less rigid than the informal register but still constrained and reserved.
In terms of the register people use in speech and writing, it’s generally accepted that there are five distinct registers: informal, idiomatic, semi-formal, formal and neutral. Informal register is associated with slang and idioms, and it’s used in casual situations with friends and family. It can include emotive and sensory vocabulary, such as slang or swear words. Semi-formal register is often seen in academic or business environments. It includes more formal vocabulary and is more restricted than the informal register. In written documents, semi-formal is sometimes used for legal or official documents and reports.
The neutral register is often used in everyday life, and it can cover a wide range of topics. This includes neutral statements, factual reporting, and news analysis. It can also be seen in business communications, such as memos or emails.
A formal register is typically used in settings where communication is expected to be respectful and uninterrupted. This is often the case in professional, academic and legal settings, as well as when addressing people of authority or people who deserve respect. It is also seen in official speeches or essays. In written communication, this style is used for letters or formal essays. It can also be used in elocution, the art of speaking with clarity and poise. In elocution, the voice is controlled and modulated to match the message and to avoid over-emphasis or under-emphasis. The neutral register can also be used in a presentation. A presentation is a type of performance that involves the audience listening and responding to a speaker or presenter. The speaker may also use gestures and body language to convey a sense of calm or power.