Which of the following describes characteristics that vary by context and audience?

Which of the following describes characteristics that vary by context and audience?

• A. A sociolect
• B. An idiom
• C. Register
• D. Discourse

Answer: (C)

The concept of register refers to the variations in language that occur depending on the context and audience. This includes the level of formality, specific vocabulary, and the overall tone of the communication. Registers can shift based on factors like the setting (e.g., a formal meeting versus a casual conversation), the subject matter, and the relationship between speakers. For instance, someone might use a more formal register in a job interview than they would when chatting with friends. This adaptability allows for more effective communication tailored to the audience's expectations and the situation's requirements. The other options do not encapsulate this variability as effectively. A sociolect refers specifically to a dialect associated with a particular social group, while an idiom is a phrase with a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning. Discourse pertains to larger units of language in communication, such as conversations or written texts, but does not specifically address the variation that occurs in response to different audiences and contexts like register does.

The concept of register refers to the variations in language that occur depending on the context and audience. This includes the level of formality, specific vocabulary, and the overall tone of the communication. Registers can shift based on factors like the setting (e.g., a formal meeting versus a casual conversation), the subject matter, and the relationship between speakers.

For instance, someone might use a more formal register in a job interview than they would when chatting with friends. This adaptability allows for more effective communication tailored to the audience's expectations and the situation's requirements.

The other options do not encapsulate this variability as effectively. A sociolect refers specifically to a dialect associated with a particular social group, while an idiom is a phrase with a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning. Discourse pertains to larger units of language in communication, such as conversations or written texts, but does not specifically address the variation that occurs in response to different audiences and contexts like register does.