register

Specifies the type of register (any of the varieties of a language that a speaker uses in a particular social context [Merriam-Webster]) of the contents of a language resource.

The Merriam-Webster definition given above is not quite the understanding of many linguists. Most linguists use different terms to describe different kinds of variation in language use. At least three dimensions of variation are typically recognised:

  • variation associated with geographic location, or dialect;

  • variation associated with specific activities, or register;

  • and variation associated with social groups, or sociolect.

An activity can be considered a social context, and the dictionary definition then applies. But the definition also encompasses the third possibility, that of sociolects.

Register is also sometimes used as a near synonym of style, for example in a phrase such as 'formal register'. This usage is still in line with the analysis sketched above: formal language is used by people carrying out formal activities.

This property is used on the type: schema:CreativeWork

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