Grammar: Advanced Stylistics
C2 Lesson 1: Mastering Stylistic Variation & Register
Case Study: Four Registers for One Event ✍️
Let's take one event and see how the language changes completely depending on the audience and purpose. This skill is called code-switching.
The Scenario
A successful restoration project has just been completed at the temple of Banteay Srei near Siem Reap.
1. An Academic Journal Abstract
Audience: Historians, archaeologists. Purpose: To inform, establish credibility.
"The restoration of Banteay Srei's eastern causeway, necessitated by centuries of subsidence, has been successfully concluded. An analysis of the foundational reinforcements indicates a long-term stabilization of the structure."
Style: Very formal, passive voice, nominalization, technical vocabulary.
2. A Government Press Release
Audience: The public, news media. Purpose: To inform, build public confidence.
"The APSARA National Authority is pleased to announce the completion of the restoration project at Banteay Srei. This vital intervention ensures that this jewel of Khmer art will be preserved for generations to come."
Style: Formal, clear, positive, authoritative.
3. A Tour Guide's Speech
Audience: Tourists. Purpose: To inform and entertain.
"And if you look ahead, you'll see the newly restored causeway! Isn't it magnificent? The work was just finished last month. Before this, the walkway was in terrible condition, but they've done an incredible job bringing it back to its former glory."
Style: Engaging, less formal, uses rhetorical questions, idioms.
4. A Text Message Between Friends
Audience: A close friend. Purpose: To share personal news/plans.
"Hey! Saw they finished the work at Banteay Srei. Looks amazing! We should check it out this weekend 👍."
Style: Very informal, ellipsis (leaving words out), slang, emojis.
Practice & Application 🎯
Quiz: Identify the Audience & Purpose
- "It is hereby stipulated that all parties must adhere to the previously agreed-upon terms." Where would you most likely read this?
a) In a friendly email b) In a legal contract
→ Answer: b. This is a very formal (frozen) register. - A writer uses many participle clauses, the impersonal passive, and words like 'consequently' and 'furthermore'. What is their likely purpose?
a) To entertain with a story.
b) To persuade in a formal, academic essay.
→ Answer: b. These are all features of academic writing.
Your Writing Mission ⭐
Writing Task: Practice Your Code-Switching
You work for a tour company in Siem Reap. Your new tour was a great success. Write two short paragraphs about the same event for two different audiences:
- Write a short, formal paragraph for a report to your company's management.
(Example: The inaugural "Hidden Temples" tour, which took place last Saturday, was a resounding success. All sixteen participants reported a high level of satisfaction...) - Write a short, exciting, informal paragraph for a social media post to attract new customers.
(Example: Wow! What an amazing first tour of the hidden temples! We explored ancient ruins, saw incredible sights, and had a fantastic time. Want to join the adventure?...)
Key Vocabulary
- Stylistic Variation The deliberate use of different styles in language to suit a specific context.
- Audience The person or group of people that a piece of writing or speech is for.
- Purpose The reason for which something is done or created.
- Code-switching The practice of changing between different varieties of language for different social contexts.
- Register The level of formality in language (e.g., formal, informal, neutral).