English 112: ESP

Topic: Language Variation and Register Analysis and Its Relevance to ESP Course Design

Reporters: Sarrah Joy Lomonsod

Theresa Nova Villaester

Language Variation and Register Analysis

The language varies based on context it is used. Sometimes it can be formal or informal and written or spoken.
The text bellow shows two different styles with same purpose. The first text is a transcript of a demonstration in
using the lathe (A lathe machine is a machine tool which is used to remove metals from a workpiece to give a
desired shape and size.) while the second text is the instructions from the manual.
Text 1 Text 2
Now I have to change the final size drill I require, 1.      Select required drill.
which is three quarters of an inch diameter and this
is called a morse-taper sleeve. 2.      Mount drill in tailstock. Use tapper

A slower speed for a larger drill. sleeves as necessary.

Nice even feed should give a reasonable finish to 3.      Set speed and start machine spindle.
the hole.
4.      Position tailstock to work piece.
Applying the coolant periodically. This is mainly
5.      Apply firm even pressure to tailstock
for lubrication rather than cooling.
hand wheel to feed drill into work piece
Almost to depth now.
6.      Apply coolant frequently.
Right. Withdrawing the drill.
7.      Drill hole to depth.
That’s fine.
8.      Withdraw drill.
9.      Stop machine.
 They differ in styles but both convey the same message and purpose.
Text 1 Text 2
 Less formal (Informal)  Formal
 Spoken  Written
If language varies according to context, it should be possible to identify the kind of language associated with a
specific context, such as an area of knowledge (legal English; social English; medical English; business
English; scientific English etc), or an area of use (technical manuals, academic texts, business meetings,
advertisements, doctor-patient communication etc) which means register analysis. This will affect ESP.
Register – is “a variety of language distinguished according to use”, according to Halliday,
McIntosh, and Strevens (1964:89).

- In linguistics, the register is defined as the way a speaker uses language differently in different
circumstances.

Register is a combination of three variables: field, mode, and style or tenor.

 Field – used to refer globally to language activities such as Politics, linguistics, or music
Tenor/Style – was used to refer to the interpersonal role relationships between people (e.g., teacher/student,
parent/children, boss/employees)
Mode – used to refer to the medium of communication selected (e.g., writing)

Types of Linguistic Register

Some linguists say there are just two types of register: formal and informal. This isn't incorrect, but it is an
oversimplification. Instead, most who study language say there are five distinct registers.

Frozen: This form is sometimes called the static register because it refers to historic language or
communication that is intended to remain unchanged, like a constitution or prayer. Examples: The Bible, the
United States Constitution, the Bhagavad Gita, "Romeo and Juliet."

Formal: Less rigid but still constrained, the formal register is used in professional, academic, or legal settings
where communication is expected to be respectful, uninterrupted, and restrained. Slang is never used, and
contractions are rare. Examples: a TED talk, a business presentation, the Encyclopedia Britannica, "Gray's
Anatomy," by Henry Gray.

Consultative: People use this register often in conversation when they're speaking with someone who has
specialized knowledge or who is offering advice. Tone is often respectful (use of courtesy titles) but may be
more casual if the relationship is longstanding or friendly (a family doctor.) Slang is sometimes used, people
may pause or interrupt one another. Examples: the local TV news broadcast, an annual physical, a service
provider like a plumber.

Casual: This is the register people use when they're with friends, close acquaintances and co-workers, and
family. It's probably the one you think of when you consider how you talk with other people, often in a group
setting. Use of slang, contractions, and vernacular grammar is all common, and people may also use expletives
or off-color language in some settings. Examples: a birthday party, a backyard barbecue.

Intimate: Linguists say this register is reserved for special occasions, usually between only two people and
often in private. Intimate language may be something as simple as an inside joke between two college friends or
a word whispered in a lover's ear.

Relevance to ESP Course Design

Register Analysis is a necessary first step in an analysis of the linguistic needs of students in ESP Courses.

 Guides teachers in the selection and preparation of materials that should, by their content validity,
motivate students to learn.
 Helps ensure appropriateness of content.

To prevent the focus of ESP from becoming either too narrow or too wide, teachers need to continue evaluating
program goals in light of student performance both inside and outside the classroom. Therefore, the content of
an ESP syllabus should be based on an approach that combines register analysis and discourse analysis.
Register Analysis can be used to determine authenticity of language relation to lexical and grammatical
features. Discourse Analysis can be used to help determine the authenticity of the message as an act of
communication involving the sender, receiver, and situational context in which a message is embedded.