Tenor (linguistics)

In examining how context affects language use, linguists refer to the context-specific variety of language as a register. The three aspects of the context are known as field, tenor and mode. Field refers to the subject matter or content being discussed. Mode refers to the channel (such as writing, or video-conference) of the communication. By understanding these three variables, the kind of language likely to be used in a particular setting can be predicted and, Michael Halliday suggests, this is exactly what we do, unconsciously, as language users.[1]

See also

References

  1. Halliday, Michael Alexander Kirkwood (1985). Spoken and written language. Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 12
  2. Cuddon, J. A. (1998) "Tenor and vehicle". In: A Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory. Oxford & Malden, MA: Blackwell, fourth edition, p. 904
  3. Danesi, Marcel (1993) Vico, metaphor, and the origin of language. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, p. 126
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