Register and Appropriateness

A register is an occupational variety or style of language. A register is used in a domain. Some of the vocabulary and syntax of a register may be described as jargon, which is the specialist terminology of a register and its users. However the word "jargon" has a rather pejorative side to it, more often used by people who do not feel part of that group. Register is one of the many language variations that linguists can identify and classify.

While a dialect is based on a geographical area, a register is based on a job or an activity. A group of people have a common interest or employment and use specialist language to describe their activity. Common choices of vocabulary and common expressions consolidate common understanding and reinforce the group. They also tend to keep out those for whom the register is unfamiliar, which again reinforces the unity of the group.

Anyone who has joined a group of teachers will hear about "cross-phase liaison", "flexible learning," "Key Stages," "OFSTED targets," "streaming and setting" and a host of acronyms and specialist terminology such as INSET, GNVQ, SEN, PHSE, SLD. An inability to understand or use this vocabulary sets someone apart from the group because they do not use this register. This terminology may be described as jargon.

Learning the register goes a long way towards making a person acceptable to a group. It is possible to bluff your way into a group by adopting the register successfully.

However using a register at the wrong time or in an inappropriate situation stands out as being either peculiar or humorous.

Consider the highway code as spoken by a vicar, a rap spoken by the Headteacher, the school rules spoken as a rap. Combine a hymn, a doctor, a Shakespeare play, a policeman, the television news and a gangster and you may have the idea of what can be inappropriate and potentially funny.

In summary, a register is appropriate in a specialised situation or with a group of people having the same occupation. Builders,decorators, lawyers, teachers, athletes, policemen, gardeners, computer programmers, sailors ... all have their own registers, or use their own jargon, expressed in talk, magazines and periodicals, sales literature and instruction booklets. A register brings us together and sets us apart.

The Court Circular

Moto-racing

The Boat Race - usually fluent commentators are prone to errors of expression in the excitement of the moment - "It's either Oxford or Cambridge..." Listen to the raised pitch, volume and tempo of the voice as the race nears its close.

Popular Songs - constructions such as "ain't no ..." for the standard English "there's no ..." which would be unacceptable in speech become accepted in the context of songs

Register and jargon from the Iraq War 2003

The jargon of weather forecasters

Politician Disguises the Truth

See also the Urban Dictionary for modern unconventional language. There are learning tasks based on it .