Register in Sociolinguistics:-

In linguistics, register refers to the variety of a language used in a particular social

setting or for a particular reason.

For example, formal grammar is more likely in a job interview than in a casual
setting.

Language Use (Register):-

Functions of use of language (register) in which we have three categories;

1- According to field of discourse

2- According to Medium

3- According to Style (Attitude)

Field of Discourse
It refers to the type of activity a speaker is engaged in through language. e.g; If
you are commanding, requesting, giving information, sharing knowledge,
expressing or confessing someone whatsoever is called the activity you are
performing as a speaker. So these activities of the speaker that is done through the
language these include in the field of discourse.

A speaker has a variety of lexical items to use in different fields. Every field has
their own type of lexical items to use. e.g; When you as a person sitting in the
classroom, you undergo 2 subjects to cover ( lingusitics, islamic studies). In
linguistic class all the examples, conversation, & interaction would be based on
that specific linguistic class. And after 1 hour if you are studying islamic studies
then all the lexical items they will shift to that social context, So in that lecture you
cannot add or quote english examples. You use lexical items on the basis of social
context.

Every field has set of its own lexical sets.

For example ◦ Medicine, ◦ Law, ◦ Business, ◦ Engineering etc.

Medium of Communication:-
There are two basic ways of communication. These two are initiatiors;

1- Spoken

2- Written

* Spoken;-

It involves more clear expressions by the fluctuations in rhythm,

intonation and stress. In spoken the person even he/she is not present infront of you
( Telephonic conversation ), he/she is not visible to you but atleast you can add
different examples, you can easily shift from one language to another language,
you can easily quote different things & you can get immediate feedbacks. In
spoken we have so much margin to convey our points, views, opinions, or
thoughts. We can use different styles, stress.

* Written;-

It involves the use of several paralinguistic devices to ensure complete

understanding. In this you don't have the leverage to use expressions or body
language, all you have to express in written form. In words you have to add your
expressions & for these expressions we do have paralinguistic devices which
includes ''punctuations, idioms, literary devices( paradox, metaphor, simile etc).

According to Attitude;-
Speakers’/writers’ attitude towards:

Hearer/reader;

Speaker whatever wants to say something he/she has to understands the

level of their audience, the level of the person to whom the speaker is interacting.

Example (1)

If you are interacting with your siblings & if you are talking to your elder sibling,
the way you talk with your elder would be different from the interaction you have
with your younger sibling.
Example (2)

In newspapers we have Child Edition, Entertainment Edition, Political Edition, &

Islamic Edition in all these writings you can observe a clear cut difference.

Topic;

Your topic also creates a difference in your style of interaction.

Example;

In child newspaper if we want to teach some moral lessons to childrens so we

develop or utilize a moralistic story. In all these things we have different ideas or
patterns to convey.

Purpose;

What is the purpose of conveying. In this you have to be very diverse in

the style of saying things. e.g; Convincing, persuading, requesting, commanding
etc. In all these things you have different style of saying or conveying your
message.

Your attitude(style) also comprises the use of formal and informal language.