Language Register

The type of language used in a magazine is important as it will determine the type of people who will be attracted to it and the type of people it is aimed at. The language used will either be formal, often if the magazine is aimed at an older audience or is a higher quality, or informal which is most common in popular magazines. Informal language is often used to make the magazine appear more personal to the user and will use more up-to-date words and phrases.                     

In the above magazine swearing has been used in their main story headlines which could put some readers off as they see it as inappropriate or offensive. In NME the swear word has used an asterix so that it is not as blunt and to try and make it less offensive whereas in Q magazine the swear words are written normally however they are not displayed as large as in the other magazine. This means that the reader may not notice this on the front cover, to make it suitable to be displayed where younger audiences may not notice it, unlike NME where it will be seen and may still be offensive. 

Longer sentences are used on the front of dazed and confused magazine that are often about one story. Most magazines display a short preview of a range of stories to ensure that there will be something to interest everyone within their target audience but longer stories are used in this magazine to make it appear more formal.

In my magazine I want to use more informal sentences with contractions to make my front page more engaging and easy to read. However I do not want to cause offence or for my magazine to be unsuitable for some audiences so I will not use swear words on the front of the magazine and no swear words will be used by my magazine but they may be given by an artist within the cover. I also want my magazine articles to be up-to-date and so newer, shortened words may be used in order to attract younger audiences.