NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

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What term refers to a variety of language used in specific contexts or settings?

  1. Dialect

  2. Register

  3. Idiolect

  4. Sociolect

The correct answer is: Register

The term that refers to a variety of language used in specific contexts or settings is "register." Register represents the way language is tailored to suit particular situations, taking into account factors such as the audience, purpose, and context. For example, the formal language used in a legal document differs from the informal language used in a casual conversation. This concept emphasizes the adaptability of language to fit different communicative needs and environments. In contrast, dialect refers to regional variations in a language characterized by distinct vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Idiolect refers to the unique language use of an individual, highlighting their personal speech patterns and choices. Sociolect pertains to language variations associated with a social class or group, reflecting shared linguistic features among members of that community. While these terms relate to language variations, only register focuses specifically on the context in which language is used, making it the correct answer in this scenario.