Scribd
Upload
88 views

Unit 4 Functions

The document discusses language functions and how they are used to describe language use. It provides examples of functions like apologizing, greeting, clarifying, inviting, and others. It also discusses exponents, which is the language used to express a function, and levels of formality in language from formal to informal to neutral.

Uploaded by

Dilan Adithya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
88 views

Unit 4 Functions

The document discusses language functions and how they are used to describe language use. It provides examples of functions like apologizing, greeting, clarifying, inviting, and others. It also discusses exponents, which is the language used to express a function, and levels of formality in language from formal to informal to neutral.

Uploaded by

Dilan Adithya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Unit 4 Functions

What is a function ?
A function is a reason why we communicate. Every time we speak or write, we do so for a purpose
or function. Here are some examples of functions.
Apologizing greeting clarifying inviting
Advising agreeing disagreeing refusing
Thanking interrupting expressing obligation expressing preferences
Functions are a way of describing language use. We can also describe language grammatically or
lexically (through vocabulary).
Context Exponent Function
A boy wants to go to the ‘let’s go to the cinema tonight; suggesting
cinema with his friend tonight. making a suggestion

A girl meets some people for “Hello, My name’s Emilla’ Introducing


the first time. She wants to get
know them.
A customer doesn’t “Sorry, what do you mean?” Asking for clarification
understand what a shop
assistant has just said
A girl writes a letter to a “Thank you so much for your Thanking
relative thanking her for a lovely ….”
birthday present.

Exponent
The language we use to express a function is called an exponent. The pieces of direct speech in the
middle column in the table above are all examples of exponents.
Levels of formality
Come for lunch ?
Can you come for lunch with us ?
Would you like to come to lunch with us ?
Why don’t you come for lunch with us ?
We would be very pleased if you could join us for lunch ?

Formal
Language used in formal conversations or writing. Formal exponents are used in formal
situations.

Informal
Language used in formal conversations or writing, Informal exponents are used in informal
situations.
Neutral
A style of speaking or writing that is neither formal nor informal, but in between. It is appropriate
for most situations.

Appropriacy
Use the level of formality that suits a situation.

Inappropriate
Use the level of formality that doesn’t suit a situation.

Key Concepts

 In language teaching, course books are often organized around function.


 Functions are often taught in course books together with the grammar of their main
exponents.
 Combining functions and grammar helps to give grammar a meaning for learners and helps
them to learn functions with grammatical structures that they can then use in other contexts.
 A functional approach to teaching language helps teachers find real-word contexts in which
to present and practice grammar, and helps learners to see the real-word uses of the
grammar they learn.

Practice task
For questions 1-6, match the example sentences with the functions listed A-G.
There is one extra option which you do not need to use.

Example sentences Functions

1. I don’t think that’s a very good idea. A. describing


2. It’s a beautiful place with a big river. B. clarifying
3. He might be able to, I’m not sure. C. comparing
4. What I mean …. D. disagreeing
5. I’d really love to fly to the moon E. wishing
6. They’re much older than their friends. F. suggesting
G. speculating

You might also like