Register is a term that describes the way speakers use language differently in different circumstances. You’ll likely talk quite differently when talking to a friend than you will in a formal setting, for example. This variation in the way people communicate is known as register, and it’s one of many elements that determines the tone and style of a given piece of speech or writing. In linguistics, register is sometimes used synonymously with the concept of “style,” although the latter is more commonly applied to written or printed texts rather than verbal communication.
Formal: This register is used in professional, academic, or legal settings where the audience expects communication to be respectful, uninterrupted, and restrained. It may also use specialized vocabulary, such as legalese or motherese, and avoid the use of slang or contractions. It is also common in formal meetings and presentations, such as a business presentation or a university lecture.
Consultative: The consultative register is similar to the formal register, but it is less rigid and more casual. It is often used in conversation with someone who has specialized knowledge or offers advice, such as a teacher or doctor. Its tone is generally respectful, but may be more informal if the relationship is longstanding or friendly (e.g., a family doctor). Slang may be used, and people will pause between sentences or exchanges. Examples include an annual physical or a phone call with your family doctor.
Casual: The casual register is used in everyday conversation with friends, co-workers, and relatives. It is the most flexible of the three, and it is the one that most people shift between when speaking with different groups or individuals. This register may also be used in casual situations involving intimate relationships, such as dinner parties or dating. Slang and contractions are typically avoided, but informality may be increased when a speaker is addressing a younger person or in a social setting with children present.
Computer: A register is a tiny, fast storage memory within the central processing unit or arithmetic logic unit of a computer that stores data for immediate processing during arithmetic and logic operations. Registers are essential to CPU performance, as they enable the processor to access the data quickly and efficiently during operation.
In general, public registers should not reference private registers unless they meet a specific user need or are required by law. For instance, while a school headteacher can expect to be included in a public register of educational establishments, they wouldn’t want their passport, driving licence, tax reference code or National Insurance number to appear on a website. In addition, the data in a register should be factual raw data and not informational content, counts or statistics, as these are more appropriately published by services. However, registers should always be addressable using a unique identifier and be kept up-to-date. Older entries should remain addressable, but may be removed if instructed by law. Registers should be long-lived, as services depend on them for their presentation of a range of useful data in different formats that make sense to users.