Classification of Texts and Linguistic Registers

Language as a System of Signs

Language is a code consisting of a set of signs (linguistic signs) and rules structured across several levels: phonetic and phonological, morphosyntactic (grammatical), and lexical (semantic).

Common Types of Texts

There are various kinds of texts used in communication, including:

• Scientific and technical texts
• Humanistic texts
• Newspaper articles
• Legal and administrative texts
• Advertising and literary texts

Three Main Linguistic Registers

Speakers utilize three primary linguistic registers depending on the context: formal (cultural) language, colloquial language, and vernacular (vulgar) language.

The Formal or Cultural Register

The cultural language is a variety characterized by a high degree of formality and care. It aligns closely with the standard language and is typically used by individuals with a higher education level who respect and maintain linguistic standards.

A formal register is defined by several key resources:

1. Structure: Information is well-structured and organized, providing a smooth and continuous development of content.
2. Grammar: There is a diversity of tenses and a predominance of subordination. It features the proper use of varied discourse markers and personal verb forms, providing greater syntactic complexity.
3. Lexicon: It employs a large vocabulary and specific terminology.

The Colloquial Register

The colloquial language is used in informal, relaxed, and familiar settings. It is the most common form of language; regardless of profession or social status, it is used in everyday conversation for its spontaneity and expressiveness.

Key features of the colloquial register include:

1. Structure: Information often appears with a certain structural disorder, using discontinuous speech that may lack fluidity.
2. Grammar: There is an iteration of a few tenses and limited use of subordination and discourse markers.
3. Lexicon: The restricted vocabulary relies on repetitions, idioms, proverbs, catchphrases, and placeholder words (e.g., "thing," "that," "do").

The Vernacular or Vulgar Register

The vernacular is characteristic of speakers with lower levels of education. Insufficient mastery of language skills leads to errors and inaccuracies that significantly deplete the proper use of language.

Characteristics of a vulgar register include:

1. Structure: Unstructured or disordered information filled with constant interruptions that restrict content.
2. Grammar: Redundancy, excessive repetition of the same verb tenses, and a lack of subordination.
3. Lexicon: A vocabulary that is too limited and often confusing.