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Introduction to Register Analysis
Register analysis is a key concept in linguistics and discourse analysis that examines how language varies according to context. It investigates the systematic differences in linguistic choices based on situational factors such as field (what is happening), tenor (who is involved), and mode (how communication takes place).

Michael Halliday (1978) and Richard Hudson (1980) have provided influential perspectives on register. Halliday conceptualized register within his Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) framework, while Hudson examined register as part of sociolinguistic variation, emphasizing its connection to social identity and situational constraints.

Halliday’s Approach to Register Analysis
Halliday (1978) defines register as a functional variety of language that is shaped by three variables:

Field – The subject matter or activity involved in communication.

Example: The language used in a legal document differs from that of a cooking recipe because their fields are different.
Tenor – The social roles and relationships between participants.

Example: A conversation between a doctor and a patient differs from one between two friends due to differences in social roles and levels of formality.
Mode – The channel or medium of communication (spoken vs. written, monologue vs. dialogue).

Example: The language of a formal speech is different from that of a WhatsApp message.
Halliday’s framework highlights that register is not just about vocabulary but also grammar and discourse structures.

Hudson’s Sociolinguistic Perspective on Register
Richard Hudson (1980) approaches register from a sociolinguistic perspective, distinguishing it from dialect. While dialect is tied to regional or social identity, register is associated with situational variation. Hudson suggests that register:

Is functional: It is used for specific purposes.
Is context-dependent: It varies with situational factors like profession, setting, and audience.
Is often domain-specific: Certain registers are tied to fields like medicine, academia, law, or sports.
Example: The legal register includes terms like habeas corpus, affidavit, and plaintiff, which are not commonly used outside legal contexts.

Types of Register and Examples
Formal Register (used in official settings)

Example: A news anchor saying, "We regret to inform you that the President has announced an emergency measure."
Contrast: An informal conversation: "Hey, did you hear about the emergency thing the President talked about?"
Informal Register (casual, everyday language)

Example: "Wanna grab a bite?" instead of "Would you like to have lunch with me?"
Technical/Scientific Register (specialized fields)

Example: A medical paper states, "The patient exhibited tachycardia and dyspnea." (vs. "The patient had a fast heartbeat and trouble breathing.")
Literary Register (used in poetry, novels)

Example: "Lo, the morning sun doth break the night’s embrace."
Frozen Register (unchanging, ritualistic)

Example: The wording of religious or legal documents: "I hereby declare you husband and wife."