Casual Register

After reading Chapter 2 of the Payne text, I have a much better understanding of the difference between “formal register” and “casual register.” One similarity between the two is that they are both registers of language which have unique characteristics. For example, when a person is using “formal register,” they speak in complete sentences using specific word choice. However, when a person is using “casual register,” they typically speak in incomplete sentences without focusing on word choice. Story structure and discourse patterns also vary between the two registers. When using “formal register,” the speaker tends to get straight to point as opposed to someone using “casual register.” When using “casual register,” the speaker typically goes around the point before finally reaching it. When telling a story using “formal
However, when using “casual register,” the speaker typically begins with the end of the story or the most emotional part. According to the text, many students living in poverty do not typically hear and/or use “formal register.” This can heavily impact students’ abilities to succeed in both the classroom and work setting.

I found this chapter on the “hidden rules” of poverty to be very interesting and eye-opening. Before taking the three part quiz, I was unaware of some of the differences amongst the three economic classes. One hidden rule that really stood out to me was the way that people living in poverty, the middle class, and the wealthy view money. According to the text, those living in poverty view money as something to be used and those living in the middle class view it as something to be managed. Now that I have recently graduated