Describing and interpreting task performance using a register functional approach

Abstract This paper illustrates how the description of tasks and task performances can benefit from a methodological and interpretative framework called the Register Functional (RF) approach. The paper first discusses research goals, conceptions of context and linguistic interpretation of task performances in TBLT and the RF approach and then provides a sample study that analyzes two different tasks with respect to methods used in some TBLT research and an RF approach to task description and performance. We then illustrate how the RF approach can be used to functionally interpret lexico-grammatical variation by reference to specific situational characteristics of tasks that allow for linguistic interpretation. The paper ends with a discussion of how the RF approach can aid TBLT issues such as language development, task as process vs. task as workplan, and communicative adequacy.