FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE

Function # 1. Expressive and Communicative Functions:

The most basic function of language as we can guess, is that of the expressive
function, an attempt to express a sudden change of state, fear, delight, pain or
confusion. Whatever it is, such an expression is not a deliberate, conscious
expression, but a spontaneous, immediate response not directed towards any other
object.
Incidentally, in many cases this also serves as a communication to other members
of the group or species, particularly in situations of danger. Most probably, these
functions are automatic instinctual functions, and found in lower organisms also.
However, at the human level, the communicative role assumes more crucial
importance
Function # 2. Interpretative Functions:
It may be seen that when a particular occurrence or expression serves as a stimulus
to others it also serves a function of becoming aware of interpreting a particular
situation. Thus, the cry of one animal in the face of danger is interpreted by other
members of the species. The interpretative function is very obvious at the human
level.
The interpretative function serves to restore a state of cognitive equilibrium. While
the stimulus itself creates a condition of uncertainty or novelty, the interpretation
serves to clarify the situation and restore the equilibrium. Such an interpretation
helps to place the information in an appropriate position or slot in one’s cognitive
world.
Thus, when an offspring gets separated from the mother and suddenly finds her
again the sound that may be made is different from the one that would have been
made if a strange animal is seen. The sounds on the two occasions, may be
phonetically similar, but there is a difference in the meanings of the two sounds
meaning in a very elementary sense.
One may question whether one can attribute qualities like meaning, cognition, etc.
to animals. But one may also ask why not? Human bigotry particularly, that of the
social scientists has prevented them from being objective and honest. Thus, the
second major function of the language is to help the organism to interpret and
organise cognitive experiences and position them in one’s cognitive world.
Function # 3. Control Function:
When one talks of the function of control, there emerges a social dimension apart
from the individual dimension. Gradually, as associations get established between
certain states of existence and a stimulus on the one hand and certain sounds,
there results a reproducibility of a reaction. Thus, the child cries when he is hungry
or suffering from pain. This cry in turn makes the mother, or even the animal
mother to rush and help. Here is the beginning of control.
The cry brings the mother’s attention and hope, and in later years the attention of
those who are dear and close and those who are in a position to support. This is the
first experience of mastering the environment and ability to control. Here it may be
seen that at simple levels, this control function may not be deliberate and
conscious, but as one grows and the environment becomes more organised, the
control function of language becomes more and more central.
All of us feel comfortable to talk to a person if we know his name. Whenever we
meet a familiar face, we feel comfortable if we can remember his name. The
importance of words, slogans, and ‘clarion calls’ in controlling the people and mob
is too well-known to need any extensive discussion.

Function # 4. The Functions of Remembering and Thinking:

Imagine our being able to think and remember without the use of words. It is
almost impossible to recall or remember or think without the use of words and
therefore, language. It is language, which helps us to encode experiences, store
them and retrieve and decode. It is language, which helps us to translate
experiences into thought and engage in processes of different types.
Function # 5. The Discovery of One’s Name:
One of the important milestones in the development of the child is the discovery
that he or she has a name and, this is the beginning of the sense of self- identity
which leads to feelings like me, mine, others, not me, etc. The discovery of one’s
name plays a very crucial role in the overall psychological development of the
individual.
It is the beginning of self-identity, and an attempt to look at oneself as an object. It
is this which essentially makes for a difference between human organism and the
non-human organism and between a very young child and an adult and mentally
disturbed adult.
This issue of formation of self-concept and self-identity has been examined in
greater detail elsewhere but the important point to remember is the very critical
role played by language in the development of the self and overall psychological
development.
Function # 6. Social Functions of Language:
In addition to these individual functions, language performs a very impor¬tant
social function. While promoting a sense of personal identity language also serves
to develop a sense of social identity, a sense of belongingness to a particular group,
marking out different degrees of social proximity and distance.
All of us belong to social groups speaking the same language. Similarly, the national
anthem which is nothing but a set of words creates and maintains a sense of social
identity. However, sometimes, this sense of social identity if it is very narrow, can
result in social conflicts and confrontations between different groups.
Function # 7. Creative Functions:
Language plays a very crucial role in imaginative and creative activity. Is it possible
to think of writing a novel or poetry without language? Language, then not only
helps us to control and regulate our cognitions but also enables us to break free
and engage in creative imagination. Here again, paradoxically, language also
contributes to the emergence of very ‘creative’ delusions and belief systems in the
mentally ill.
On the whole, one can see the very critical and crucial role played ‘by language in
our life. It is perhaps, impossible to think of any place or situation in life where one
can function without the help of language. Apart from the common functions of
expression and communication, the psychological and social functions played by
language are very crucial and are becoming more and more important in today’s
world.