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Functions of Language

The document outlines various functions of language, including informative, expressive, and directive functions, each serving distinct purposes in communication. It also discusses the uses of language, such as ceremonial language, performative utterances, and phatic language, highlighting how language can serve social and emotional roles. Overall, the document emphasizes that language can fulfill multiple functions simultaneously depending on the context.

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6 views

Functions of Language

The document outlines various functions of language, including informative, expressive, and directive functions, each serving distinct purposes in communication. It also discusses the uses of language, such as ceremonial language, performative utterances, and phatic language, highlighting how language can serve social and emotional roles. Overall, the document emphasizes that language can fulfill multiple functions simultaneously depending on the context.

Uploaded by

2025710865
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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FORMS AND FUNCTIONS OF

LANGUAGE

Prepared by:
Nur Syamimi Zahari
Informative Language Function

 essentially, the communication of information.

 The informative function affirms or denies propositions, as in science or the


statement of a fact.
 This function is used to describe the world or reason about it (e.g.., whether
a state of affairs has occurred or not or what might have led to it).
Expressive Language Function

 reports feelings or attitudes of the writer (or speaker), or of the subject, or


evokes feelings in the reader (or listener).

 Poetry and literature are among the best examples, but much of, perhaps
most of, ordinary language discourse is the expression of emotions, feelings
or attitudes.
 Two main aspects of this function are generally noted: (1) evoking certain
feelings and (2) expressing feelings.
Directive Language Function

 language used for the purpose of causing (or preventing) overt action.

 The directive function is most commonly found in commands and requests.


 Example of this function: "Close the windows." The sentence "You're
smoking in a nonsmoking area," although declarative, can be used to
mean "Do not smoke in this area."
 Much discourse serves all three functions - one cannot always identify the
form with the function.

"The room is cool" might be used in different contexts as informative (an


observation), expressive (how one feels at the moment), or directive (to turn
on the heat).
USES OF LANGUAGE

 The ceremonial:(also ritual language use). Example: "Dearly beloved, we


are gathered here together to witness the holy matrimony of …."

 Performative utterances: language which performs the action it reports. For


example, "I do" in the marriage ceremony and the use of performative
verbs such as "accept," "apologize," "congratulate," and "promise.“

 Phatic language: "Elevator talk" and street-corner conversations


accomplishing a social task. Note the subtle transition from vocal behavior
to body language from saying for example, "Hi" or "How are your?" to a nod
or a wave of the hand.

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