<P> One of the most analyzed areas where the use of language is determined by the situation is the formality scale . Especially in language teaching, the term "register" often forms a shorthand for formal / informal style, although this is an aging definition . Linguistics textbooks may use the term "tenor" instead (Halliday 1978), but increasingly prefer the term "style"--"we characterise styles as varieties of language viewed from the point of view of formality" (Trudgill, 1992)--while defining "registers" more narrowly as specialist language use related to a particular activity, such as academic jargon . There is very little agreement as to how the spectrum of formality should be divided . </P> <P> In one prominent model, Martin Joos (1961) describes five styles in spoken English: </P> <Ul> <Li> Frozen: Also referred to as static register . Printed unchanging language, such as Biblical quotations, often contains archaisms . Examples are the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America and other "static" vocalizations . The wording is exactly the same every time it is spoken . </Li> <Li> Formal: One - way participation; no interruption; technical vocabulary or exact definitions are important; includes presentations or introductions between strangers . </Li> <Li> Consultative: Two - way participation; background information is provided--prior knowledge is not assumed . "Back - channel behavior" such as "uh huh", "I see", etc. is common . Interruptions are allowed . Examples include teacher / student, doctor / patient, expert / apprentice, etc . </Li> <Li> Casual: In - group friends and acquaintances; no background information provided; ellipsis and slang common; interruptions common . This is common among friends in a social setting . </Li> <Li> Intimate: Non-public; intonation more important than wording or grammar; private vocabulary . Also includes non-verbal messages . This is most common among family members and close friends . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Frozen: Also referred to as static register . Printed unchanging language, such as Biblical quotations, often contains archaisms . Examples are the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America and other "static" vocalizations . The wording is exactly the same every time it is spoken . </Li>

Identify items of register in a given passage