(Area : (English

(Focus : Introduction to Linguistics

(Chapter 1: The Foundation on the Study of Language

(Lesson 3: Language Functions

Jayson B. Osin
CTE FACULTY
English Department

January 8, 2022 @8 am
--exclusive
exclusive for
for Xavier
Xavier Knights
Knights only-
only- via Google Meet
EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Learning Outcomes
 
In this chapter, you are expected to:
• explain personal views on language vis-a-vis existing
views and definitions;
• trace the nature and characteristics of language; and
• decode the functions of language and use them to
create a composition.

Chapter 1: The Foundation on The Study of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Explore!

TASK A: Give advice on how to:

1. cope for the mastery test,

2. quit form vices and
3. survive on a global pandemic

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Explore!

TASK B: Persuade a friend to:

1. share her/his favorite snacks,

2. speak against the social media craze and
3. invest in health insurance.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Explore!
TASK C: Agree or disagree with the following statements below.
Explain your arguments:

1. No corner of society is safe because virtually

everything can cause stress. Even knowledge
can cause trouble.
2. Social media privacy is overrated. Everyone
wants to know everybody.
3. We must make it clear to every government
that human rights
Lesson abuses cannot
2: Nature and and ofwill
Characteristics not
Language
EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Explore!

The purpose of each interaction using

the language is called language
functions.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

General functions of language

interpersonal performative

informative expressive

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

interpersonal

“Let us talk.”
“Come with me”
It is interpersonal when the communicators use
grammatical preferences that enable them to perform
their interpersonal relations.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

informative

-Humans are capable of

love-
The language function is informative if it does not
confirm or reject propositions.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!
-I do.
I accept.
performative
I
apologize
.
I promise
When language is used to do things or perform or
report an action, the language function is performative.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

expressive

-You are such a happy

pill!
When one uses language to express feelings, the
language function is expressive.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

Jakobson’s functions of language

Roman Jakobson’s Communication Model (1960)

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language
EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

Referential function context

This language function is concerned with the content.

“The sun rises from the east and sets in the west.”

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

emotive function sender

The emotive function is an expression of the speaker’s

internal state.

“ouch”, “yuck” and “wow”.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

conative function receiver

This is used when the speaker expresses purposively to

persuade or influence the receiver.

“Come in and join the class” and “Run”

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

phatic function channel

This is used to keep the communication open and

maintain contact with the person one is talking with.

“Are you still listening?

“Can you hear me?”

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

metalingual function code

This is used when a language talks about its features.

“Sky has three letters”

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

poetic function message

The poetic function focuses on the message and its

aesthetic presentation..

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

halliday’s functions of language

Halliday’s Meta functions of Language (1985)

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language
EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

ideational function

This is concerned with creating and maintaining a notion

of experience, which is both experiential and logical.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

interpersonal function

An interpersonal function is about the world of people

working together; seeks to uphold social relationships.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

textual function

The textual function comprises all the grammatical

systems needed to create relevance to the context.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

halliday’s functions of language

Instrumental Regulatory Interactional

function function function
Personal Heuristic Imaginative
function function function
Representational
function
Halliday’s Micro functions of Language (1985)
Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language
EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

instrumental function

It refers to the use of language to communicate needs,

express desires, choices, and preferences.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

regulatory function

It refers to the use of language to control and regulate

behavior.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

interactional function

Interactional language is often used to develop a

relationship and smoothen interaction. This includes
greetings or responding to calls.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

personal function

It is demonstrated when it is used to convey information

based on a personal level such as emotions and attitudes
and the identity of the speaker.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

heuristic function

When the children explore and desire to learn from their

environment, they use language in a heuristic manner.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

imaginative function

The imaginative function of language is used by children

to generate imaginary construct.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Engage!

representational function

Children use language to convey facts, explain ideas,

relay, and request information.

Lesson 2: Nature and Characteristics of Language

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Execute!

1. Create a diagram showing comparison and a contrast

between Halliday’s and Jakobson’s functions of
language. Explain your diagram.

Lesson 1: Definition of Language and Views

EL 101 (Introduction to Linguistics )

Let’s Execute!

2. Write a short speech, article or narrative that

persuades or represents any of the following
functions discussed earlier.

Lesson 1: Definition of Language and Views

-----end of Lesson 3: Language Functions---------

Thank you for listening!

Presentation by: Jayson B. Osin

Instructor III
No rights reserved