Style and Register

‘Style’ pertains to the way writers employ various techniques in their writing. It could be in terms of sentence structure, use of rhetorical devices, imagery, syntax, and so on.
‘Register’ is related to the formality or informality of language employed in a text. It could be formal, semi-formal, or colloquial and is determined by the purpose, audience, and context of the writing.
Style is personal to each writer and it sets apart their piece from others. It is detected through the individual way punctuation, vocabulary, sentence structure, and grammar is used.
A text’s register can change in different parts based on changes in the subject matter or the speaker. It helps to depict an accurate environment or mood in the piece.
Analysing style and register is key to understanding how writers depict characters, present themes, and communicate effectively.
Understanding style and register can also guide readers into the attitude and perspective of the author or the characters within the text.
Techniques like the use of figurative language, symbolism, and tone are key parts of an author’s style.
The choice of register will affect the overall meaning of the text. Informal register brings a sense of personal touch or creativity while formal register ensures professionalism and seriousness.
The language levels - phonology, lexis, grammar, semantics, pragmatics and discourse - can be used to study the style and register of the text in question.
Remember that context plays a crucial role in determining the style and register of a text. Factors like time, place, situation and the participants of the communication all influence the author’s choice of style and register.