A register is a system of records used to keep track of people and things. It can be a book or a computer program that is used to record important information. The register is often used in places like schools, hospitals, and government offices to record and organize information. The register can also be a type of point of sale system that is used in stores.
A person can also use the term to describe their voice or style of speaking. A person might speak in a casual register when they are talking to friends, but would speak in a formal register at a job interview or a party. This variation in the formality of speech and language is referred to as register by linguists.
The word register is derived from the Latin word regere, which means “to enroll.” When someone uses the phrase to describe their voice or style of speaking, they are saying that they are enrolled in a particular register. When a person has the ability to switch between different registers, they can adjust their language to fit the rhetorical situation.
When talking about the register of language, linguistics experts divide it into several categories: informal, formal, consultative, and intimate. This distinction helps to explain how a person can talk casually with one friend and be extremely formal in another conversation. The ability to identify and select the right register for a rhetorical situation is called rhetorical awareness.
Some common types of register include:
Informal: This register is typically used between close friends and in social situations. It might include slang, contractions, and vernacular grammar. In some cases, this register may include expletives or off-color language. It is the most common register and can be heard in conversations at birthday parties, backyard barbecues, or political debates. The use of this register reflects the power differentials between the speakers and may be a way to signal solidarity with others.
Formal: This is the language that is typically used in formal settings. It might include business conversations or legal proceedings. The formal register is usually more predictable than the informal one, and speakers might choose to speak in this mode to impress an audience or show respect for authority.
Consultative: This is a style of register that is often seen in the workplace and between members of a professional organization. This style is used to convey trust and encourage collaboration. The consultative register is sometimes used to discuss sensitive topics and share ideas that might not be appropriate for a more casual conversation.
In computing, a register is a location within the processor that can be accessed quickly. Registers are used to store data and instructions for quick processing, reducing the need to access slower main memory frequently. These locations can be read and written to by the CPU, but they have a small capacity and cannot hold large amounts of data at once. In addition, they are prone to errors when accessed by other hardware components.