Situational Varieties of Records: Formal, Informal, Jargon
Situational Varieties of Records
Records refer to the different ways of expressing oneself, chosen based on specific circumstances. These circumstances relate to the degree of formality, the subject matter, and often the channel of communication (oral or written).
Formal Register
A formal register is used in situations governed by social conventions, such as reports, oral and written statements, etc. From a linguistic point of view, it features:
- Complex sentences
- No shortened words or expressions
- Precise, rigorous, and unemotional vocabulary
Informal Register
An informal register is characteristic of situations where strict adherence to social conventions is not necessary, such as personal letters, informal discussions, etc. From a linguistic point of view, it features:
- Relaxation in compliance with grammatical rules
- Less precise lexicon
- Use of phrases, emotional expressions, etc.
Argot or Jargon
Argot or jargon is the specialized language used by people of the same occupation or social class. Examples include:
- Craft jargon: Carpenter, mason
- Artistic jargon: Painters, sculptors
- Youth slang: “Cool”, “hang out”
- Criminal jargon: “Snitch”, “hit”
- Mobile SMS jargon: “LOL”, “BRB”
Scientific Language
Special languages are used in various trades and professions. They typically do not have general distribution but are known and used only by professionals in a particular activity. Characteristics include:
- Technicalities
- Orderly exposition
- Simple syntax
- Repetition for clarity
- Use in expository and argumentative texts
Humanistic Language
This is the language used in the human sciences, such as anthropology, philosophy, linguistics, psychology, and history. Characteristics include:
- Abstract vocabulary
- Speculative nature
- Fundamentally subjective
- Preference for essays
Novecentismo
Novecentismo refers to the group of intellectuals who replaced the Generation of ’98 in the 20th century. It departs from the art forms of the 19th century. Key figures include Eugenio d’Ors, also called a component of the Generation of 1914 due to the war, Ortega y Gasset, Ramón Pérez de Ayala, and Gregorio Marañón.
Characteristics:
- Attempted bourgeois reformism
- Exaltation of universal values
- Contact with European cultural influences
- Self-taught methods
- Intellectualism
- Anarchic backlash against previous sentimentality
- Search for “pure art” and literature for minorities
- Purification of poetic language
Juan Ramón Jiménez
Juan Ramón Jiménez abandoned his law career to dedicate himself entirely to writing. He was influenced by French poetry. During the Spanish Civil War, he moved to the U.S., where he lived his last days. His great love was Zenobia Camprubí. He later died in Puerto Rico.
Work: His work is divided into three phases:
Sensitive Phase
- Influenced by Modernism and Symbolism
- Main themes: love, death, and time
- Short lines, romances, Alexandrine verses, and sonnets
- Most important work: Platero y yo
Intellectual Stage
- Poetry moves away from coloring and adjectives
- The need for transcendence is a major theme, seeking the eternal and the beautiful
- Key work: Diario de un poeta recién casado
Third Stage
- Developed in America
- Maintained a simple style
- Used metric forms of romance or canción
- Key work: Dios deseado y deseante