Language Varieties and Communication Registers

The Standard Language Variety

Language varieties have been created throughout history. A common variety, called a standard language, is one where dialect differences are poorly marked. Historically, this variety has been more associated with written communication than oral; however, it currently serves as a model for written language, oral communication, and mass media.

The standard variety is characterized by:

• Having a norm (or 'law') which serves as a reference model for speakers.
• Adapting to the changes that users can introduce.
• Presenting different rules or sub-norms based on the speech of educated speakers from various dialects.
• Being disseminated through institutions such as the Royal Spanish Academy, education, and communication media.

It is important to note that the standard should not be confused with the specific language used in these media.

Understanding Language Registers

Each language register is the result of four factors that shape it:

• The topic or subject matter concerned.
• The level of formality, depending on the relationship between speaker/writer and listener/reader.
• The communication channel (oral or written).
• The purpose or intention of the speaker/writer, according to which the communication will be more objective or subjective.

Language registers can be distinguished as formal or informal. Formal registers are characterized by a predominant concern for selecting appropriate language resources.

Formal Language Registers

Formal registers can be divided into:

Standard Worship Register

This is considered the formal register of excellence and is characterized by a careful use of language: phonetic, morphosyntactic, and lexical. It is found in literary texts and scientific or technical texts. Scientific-technical language aims for the best accuracy in the lexicon, while literary language uses a connotative language.

Common Standard Register

This is another type of formal register.

Informal Language Registers

Informal registers often occur in direct, spontaneous interpersonal communication. They can be divided into:

Colloquial or Family Register

This register is named for the spontaneous use of language, typically through oral communication. It is characterized by:

• Spontaneity (lack of planning). Everyday, general topics are usually treated with subjective purposes.
• The expressiveness of the speaker, which is manifested in the use of interjections and exclamations, augmentatives and diminutives, etc.
• The economy of linguistic means employed, which is present in the use of unfinished sentences that are understood by the situation, ellipses, repetitions, etc.