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3rd-Language Function

3rd-Language Function 3rd-Language Function 3rd-Language Function

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M.Abdhe. Rizky.W
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5 views

3rd-Language Function

3rd-Language Function 3rd-Language Function 3rd-Language Function

Uploaded by

M.Abdhe. Rizky.W
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Function of

Language
3rd Meeting: March 1st, 2022
Defining Language

1. An abstract system of symbols and meanings.


2. Language is a purely human and non-instinctive method of
communicating ideas, emotions and desires by means of
voluntarily produced symbols.
3. The method of human communication, either spoken or written,
consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional
way.
Defining Function

The word function is often used in different senses in the literature


of linguistics:
1. In sociological studies of language, function is often used to
refer to the role language plays in society.
2. In ethnography, scholars use function to refer to the specific
uses of language.
3. In systemic-functional linguistics, functions of language are
highly generalized categories of meaning which simultaneously
underlie an utterance
General or
Micro Function
which refer to specific
individual uses

Meta or Macro
Function
which serve more overall aims
Aspect of Language Function
1. General or micro aspects:
Refer to the particular individual uses of language in a society. Finch (1998) lists seven general (micro)
functions:
a) Physiological
b) Phatic
c) Recording
d) Identifying
e) Reasoning
f) Communicating
g) Pleasure

2. Meta or macro aspects:


• The term metafunction originates in systemic functional linguistics and is considered to be a property of all
languages.
• A function which is capable of describing one or more other functions.
• Michael Halliday, the founder of systemic functional linguistics, calls these three functions:
a) ideational
b) interpersonal
c) textual
Micro Function

1. Physiological function
(releasing physical and
nervous energy)
curse words are used to serve this purpose, as
they rarely convey any meaning and are only to
make the speaker feel better.
Micro Function

2. Phatic function (for


sociability)

The phatic use of language is characteristic


mainly of speech, however, in certain types of
writing it can also be noticed

as in letters for example, where the beginning


Dear Sir/Madam and ending Yours faithfully also
serve that purpose.
Micro Function

3. Recording function

Recording function denotes using language to


make a durable record of things that ought to be
remembered
Micro Function

4. Identifying function
Language is used also to identify the objects and
events in the world we live in.

We use names to classify different types of


things, whether we call a car an automobile, a
lorry, a van or a truck makes a big difference
Micro Function

5. Reasoning function
(instrument of thought)
Before we say something we think and to do that
we necessarily use language.
Micro Function

6. Communicating
function
This function would probably be pointed at by
most language users without major
consideration.

Requesting, apologizing, informing, ordering as


well as promising and refusing are all reasons for
communicating our ideas
Micro Function

7. Pleasure functions
Language often gives pleasure both to the
speakers and listeners is not only supported by
the frequent use of assonance, alliteration
and onomatopoeia in poetry.

Depending on the sounds of languages some are


perceived as being mild as English.
Macro Function

1. Ideational function
Ideational function refers to the conceptualizing
process involved in our mental activities.
Macro Function

2. Poetic function
The ability to manipulate language in a creative
way.

With the use of jokes and metaphors we can


play with words and meanings simply for joy.
Macro Function

3. Textual function
Textual competence refers to our ability to
create long utterances or pieces of writing which
are both cohesive and coherent.
Material Comprehension
1. According to your daily experience, to what extent the language can
support your activities and daily interaction? Provide the example!
Thank you
The above mentioned functions are only one point of
view on language. Most certainly there are many
other functions that natural languages fulfil, yet
depending on approach to this issue the number of
functions and their names might vary.

Finch G. 1998. How to study linguistics.


Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan.

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