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
register,” the speaker starts with the beginning and tells it sequentially.
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
college and have a full time job, I have a much different outlook on money. For example, I focus more on what I put into my savings as opposed to spending. However, it’s important to understand that for those living in poverty it may be difficult or even impossible to save money due to basic needs and expenses. Another hidden rule that I think is important to realize as an educator relates to time. In the chart on page 54, it says that people living in poverty see the present as the most important. While working with students living in poverty, I have witnessed them making decisions based on their feelings and survival instincts. For example, one of my students was angry with another and decided to start a fight based off of his emotions. However, once we were able to talk about the issue he admitted that it wasn’t the best decision. If this student followed the hidden rules of the middle class they may have decided to walk away in fear of the consequences that he would receive. This example led me to my next point which is that the texts suggests that students should be taught the hidden rules of the middle class. Teaching students these hidden rules will allow them to move from one class to another more seamlessly.