A register is a list or record of information that acts as an official database. It can be used during events, educational activities, company happenings, and other public occasions. Its purpose is to systematize all the important details and make them easy to find and transfer to other records.
The register plays a crucial role in CPU processing since it executes program codes, does arithmetic calculations and logical comparisons as instructed and then stores the results into storage to be retrieved later. This helps the processor process data and instructions faster.
When it comes to communication, register is a key element that makes the difference between a conversational and formal tone. It also helps people communicate effectively with different types of audiences.
Register is also an important consideration in writing, especially for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Amy Tan’s memoir “My Mother’s English,” for example, is a powerful reminder of the impact that language can have on relationships and communication.
Language experts have identified five distinct registers: informal, formal, consultative, slang, and intimate. Each register serves a distinct function and is usually appropriate for the situation.
Informal: This is the register most people use when speaking with friends, co-workers, and family. It can include slang, contractions, and vernacular grammar. It’s more conversational than technical and may even involve a bit of humor.
Consultative: This is the register used at work and in schools when speaking with teachers, classmates, and other staff members. It’s often more precise than casual register and uses vocabulary words with Latin or Greek roots, according to writing expert Rita Mae Brown.
Formal: This is the register most commonly used in business and professional settings, such as at work, school, and in formal social situations. It’s generally more polite and less slangy than informal register.
It’s also more precise than consultative register and may be addressed by title such as “Doctor” or “Mr.” Depending on the context, this register can vary in tone and level of formality.
Slang: This is the register most commonly used when talking with friends, co-workers, and families. It can include slang, contractions, vernacular grammar, and expletives.
Intimate: This is the register used when speaking with friends, co-workers, or family. It can include slang, contractions, and vernacular grammar, and it’s more intimate than casual register.
Notable examples of this register are the Pledge of Allegiance or the Preamble to the Constitution. It’s also sometimes called frozen register, as it never changes or evolves.
A register is a very complex part of the language, so it’s important for students to understand its importance and how it can influence their writing skills. It’s also helpful for teachers to show them examples of different registers and the contexts where they are most commonly used.
Despite the complexity of register, it is generally very useful for communication and is a critical skill to have. In addition to being important for the effectiveness of a communication, it’s often the easiest way to avoid misunderstanding and to help people understand each other.