Registers

Of
Spoken and Written Language
Prepared by:
Jake Guzman
Kyle Jewel Iglesias
 REGISTER

REGISTER - is described as a variety

according to use in the sense that
each speaker has a range of varieties
and chooses between them at different
times. Register refers to the level
of formality of the speech.
 FORMS
OF
LANGUAGE REGISTER
is appropriate in
professional and business
Formal Register writing.

is the way we talk to our

friends and family. Informal Register

not specifically formal or

informal, positive or
Neutral Register negative. It is used
with non-emotional topics and
information.
 BIAS FREE
LANGUAGE

• Sometimes the language we use reflects our

stereotypes. While in speech our facial expressions or
even gestures may convince our listeners that we are
not being offensive, in writing it is a lot harder to
do.

• To avoid confusion and needless anger on the part of

the reader, use language that is clear, objective, and
stereotype-free. Avoid generalizing when talking about
gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, or people
with disabilities.
 AVOID GENDER
BIAS

• Avoid using masculine pronouns when the gender

of the person is not known. When a word has
the suffix -man or -woman, check to see if it
reflects the gender of the person described.
Use more neutral alternatives when gender is
not important to the idea you are getting
across.
 AVOID GENDER
BIAS
• For example, use chairperson or chair instead of chairman,
fire fighter instead of fireman, or salesperson instead of
salesman.
AVOID RACIAL AND ETHNIC BIAS
Racial or ethnic information should only be indicated if the
context demands it. Take note of the following:

 Both black and African American are generally

acceptable (although some members of this
community prefer one or the other). The phrase
people of color is sometimes used to include other
racial groups, particularly for political
purposes. The labels Negro and colored are
generally not acceptable.
AVOID RACIAL AND ETHNIC BIAS
Racial or ethnic information should only be indicated if the
context demands it. Take note of the following:

 Depending to some extent on regional preference,

people with roots in Latin America refer to
themselves as Hispanic, Latino/Latina, or
Chicano/Chicana, or by place of origin (Cuban
American, Puerto Rican). Except for specific
audiences or individuals, Latino is generally
acceptable.
AVOID RACIAL AND ETHNIC BIAS
Racial or ethnic information should only be indicated if the
context demands it. Take note of the following:

 The preference is for Asian or Asian

American rather than Oriental. Again,
specific groups may prefer labels based on
country of origin (Japanese American,
Korean).
AVOID RACIAL AND ETHNIC BIAS
Racial or ethnic information should only be indicated if the
context demands it. Take note of the following:

 Native American has gained favor over

Indian. Depending on context, you
might more accurately refer to a
specific tribe or tribes.
 AVOID AGE BIAS
• Age should only be specified if it is relevant. Avoid
expressions that are demeaning or subjective.
 AVOID DISABILITY
BIAS

 Do not refer to an individual’s

disability unless relevant. When
necessary, use terms that do not
offend disabled individuals.
 AVOID DISABILITY
BIAS
 Avoid phrases like "confined to a wheelchair" and
"victim" (of a disease), so as not to focus on
differences and disability. Instead, write or say,
"someone who uses a wheelchair" and "a person with (a
disease)."
Thank
You