Dr. Tihal Fifth Year Groups:1,2,3,4.

Lecture 15

The Register Theory by Halliday

What are the constituents’ parts of register?

According to Halliday (1964), register is defined in terms of three constituent

parts: Field, Tenor and Mode.

1- Field of discourse: (What?)

The field of discourse relates to the subject matter.What is being discussed?

………… IDEATIONAL ………

2- Tenor of discourse: (Who)?

Relates to the participants and their relationship (Formality / Intimacy)

…………. INTERPERSONAL …………

3- Mode of discourse: (How?)

Channel of communication (written or spoken). E.g. mail, telephone, T.V.,

video, and so on. ………. TEXTUAL ………….

Types of register

One of the most analyzed area in register is formality scale. Martin Jones (1968)

describes five types of register (i.e there are 5 levels of formality in every language)

a- Frozen: This type is referred to as static register because it refers to language that

never changes like a constitution, a prayer, or Quranic verses, wedding vows….

b- Formal: It is one-way communication, no interruption. Slang is never used and

contractions are rare. E.g. –A Ted Talk/ A business presentation / Introduction

between strangers/ Speeches/ Announcements ….

c- Consultative: It is two-way participation. People often use this register in

conversation, when they are speaking with someone who has specialized

knowledge or who is offering advice. Complex syntax and longer phrases are used.

E.g. (doctor/ patient), (lawyer/ client), (lawyer/ Judge), (teacher/ student),

(supervisor/ subordinate).

d- Casual: This is the register people use when they are with friends, close

acquaintances, co-workers and family. The use of slang, contractions and

vernacular grammar is all common.

d- Intimate: -Non- public-

This register is reserved for special occasions, usually between two people and

often in private. E.g. (Husband/ Wife), (Boyfriend/ Girlfriend), (Twins/ Siblings)

Requests in different registers

Frozen: Please submit the information at your earliest inconvenience.

Formal: Could you possibly type this for me by tomorrow?

Consultative: Can you finish this after lunch?

Casual: Watch the door for me, OK?

Intimate: Hey darlin’, poor me a cuppa joe (cuppa joe is a nickname for a cup of

coffee)

Partings in different registers

 Frozen: Farewell, and Godspeed. (Godspeed is an expression of good wishes to a

person starting a journey)

Formal: Goodbye. We look forward to seeing you again.

Consultative: Goodbye. Have a good weekend.

Casual: Bye now- take care.

Intimate: Later, darlin’

Greetings in different registers

Frozen: I want to welcome you to the ……..

Formal: Good morning. I’ll let Mr Jones know you are here.

Consultative: Hello Mr. Smith. How are you doing this morning?

Casual: Hey, Jack. What’s up?

Intimate: How’s my little puppy today?

Practice Activity: Complete

1-A professor will use …………………………..….. academic register during a class

or professional lecture. A doctor will use ………………………………………………
register while informing patients of treatment options and procedures. Best friends will
employ ………………………………..register when showing secrets that may be
overheard by others.

2- A dialect is a variety accordiny to …………while register is a variety according to

…….

3-In some particular discourse, …………………………………………is of most

significance as it is concerned with the power and status of the participants.

4--………………………………….is an important constituent in discourse analysis as

it relates to the channel you select to communicate. E.g. e-mails, telephones, radio, T.V…