Why should we care about register? Reflections on chatbot language design

TL;DR

This paper emphasizes the importance of register as a theoretical framework in chatbot language design, highlighting its influence on user perception and proposing future research directions to enhance chatbot communication.

Contribution

It advocates for adopting register theory in chatbot design and outlines research opportunities to improve chatbot communication skills.

Findings

Register influences user perceptions of chatbots.

Using register-specific language can enhance interaction quality.

Future research can establish register as a foundation for chatbot communication.

Abstract

This position paper discusses the relevance of register as a theoretical framework for chatbot language design. We present the concept of register and discuss how using register-specific language influence the user's perceptions of the interaction with chatbots. Additionally, we point several research opportunities that are important to pursue to establish register as a foundation for advancing chatbot's communication skills.