Lecture 13 The Problem of Functional Styles

E.g. a domestic chat, a telephone conversation, a business letter...

Register Parameters

4 main variables for the choice of situational features:

• FIELD, or SUBJECT MATTER;
• MEDIUM or MODE (e.g. speech or writing);
• TENOR (the relations between participants, their social roles which influence the degree of formality).
• FUNCTION (didactic, informative, etc)

E.g. TV sports commentary:

• Special vocabulary reflecting the subject;
• Audio-visual medium;
• Fairly informal relations with the audience;
• Functions – describing, evaluating.

Register-switching

Changing or mixing different registers to achieve the desired effect.

E.g. Lecture: Written form vs Oral presentation (different degree of formality).

E.g. Two households – one olive and one dairy,

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,

Both born to strike…

Two star-crossed lovers conspire

To overthrow the grudge of generations…

The union of butter and oil. (a TV commercial for butter and olive

oil spread – an allusion to ‘Romeo and Juliet’)