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Language and Its Functions

The document discusses the definitions and characteristics of language, emphasizing its arbitrary, social, symbolic, systematic, vocal, non-instinctive, productive, and creative nature. It also outlines the functions of language, including instrumental, regulatory, interactional, personal, heuristic, imaginative, and representational uses. Overall, language serves as a crucial medium for communication, knowledge transmission, and social interaction.

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4 views

Language and Its Functions

The document discusses the definitions and characteristics of language, emphasizing its arbitrary, social, symbolic, systematic, vocal, non-instinctive, productive, and creative nature. It also outlines the functions of language, including instrumental, regulatory, interactional, personal, heuristic, imaginative, and representational uses. Overall, language serves as a crucial medium for communication, knowledge transmission, and social interaction.

Uploaded by

Cucu Mida Official
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LANGUAGE AND ITS

FUNCTIONS

By:
DR. AKHMAD SUTIYONO, M.PD.
Definitions of Language
1. A language is a system of arbitrary vocal
symbols by means of which a social group
cooperates.” ... In signed languages, these
symbols may be hand or body movements,
gestures, or facial expressions. (Bernard Bloch
and George L. Trager)
2. A system of conventional spoken or written
symbols by means of which human beings, as
members of a social group and participants in
its culture, communicate (Encyclopedia
Britanica)
3. Language is a highly organised system in
which each unit plays an important part
which is related to other part (Lim Kiat
Boey)
4. Knowing a language means being able to
produce an infinite number of sentences
never spoken before and to understand
sentences never heard before. Chomsky
refers to this ability as the "creative
aspect" of language
The Characteristics of Language
1. Language is arbitrary
Language is arbitrary as in there is no inherent
connection between the expressions of a language
and their importance or the thoughts passed on by
them.

The decision of a word chose to mean a specific thing


or thought is absolutely subjective, however, once a
word is chosen for a specific referent, it comes to
remain in that capacity. It might be noticed that had
language not been subjective, there would have been
just a single language on the planet.
A language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by
means of which a social group cooperates.” ... In
signed languages, these symbols may be hand or
body movements, gestures, or facial expressions.
(Bernard Bloch and George L. Trager)
2. Language is social
Language is social that exists in society; it is as a
means of nourishing and developing culture and
establishing human relations. It in this sense in
ownership of a social gathering, including a key
arrangement of principles which allows its
individuals to identify with one another, to connect
with one another, to coordinate with one another.
Consequently, it's a social establishment.

Language exists in the public arena, is a method


for feeding and creating a society, and sets up
human relations.
3. Language is symbolic
Language consists of different sound symbols
and their graphological partners that are utilized
to give a few objects, occurrences or
significance. These symbols are discretionarily
picked and routinely acknowledged and utilized.
Words in a language are not negligible signs or
figures. The language uses words essentially as
symbols and not as signs for the concept
represented by them.
4. Language is systematic
In spite of the fact that language is symbolic, its
symbols are arranged in specific systems. All
languages have their arrangement of plans. Each
language is an arrangement of systems. All
languages have phonological and syntactic systems
and within a system, there are several sub-systems.

For instance, inside the linguistic system, we have


the morphological and syntactic system, and inside
these two sub-systems, we have system, for
example, those of plural, of mindset, or perspective,
of tense, etc.
5. Language is vocal
Language is essentially comprised of vocal sounds
just created by a physiological articulatory
component in the human body. First and foremost,
it shows up as vocal sounds only.

Composing came to a lot later as an astute


endeavour to speak to vocal sounds. Composing is
just the realistic portrayal of the hints of the
language. Thus, etymologists state that discourse
is essential while composing is auxiliary.
6. Language is non-instinctive, conventional
No language was made in multi-day out of a
commonly settled upon the recipe by a gathering
of people. Language is the result of advancement
and tradition. Every age transmits this tradition
on to the following.

Like every single human organization, language


likewise changes and pass on, develop and
extend. Each language is a tradition in a
network. It is non-natural since it is procured by
people.
Language is passed through generations with a
united system of conventions and rules. It
adapts with time and accords change in order to
survive.
7. Language is productive and creative
Language has efficiency and innovativeness.
The auxiliary components of human language
joined to created new expressions, which
neither the speaker nor his/her listeners may
ever have made or heard previously.

Truly, the two sides comprehend without


trouble. Language changes as indicated by the
necessities of society.
Language provides the space to form ideas
and concepts and share them with other
individuals. This enables discussion,
dialogue and discourse which creates a
process of knowledge production. The
production of knowledge germinates new
ideas and leads to inventive changes,
innovations and evolution.
8. Language is a means of communication
Language is strong, convenient and the form
of communication. It is the best ways to
express everything. It is through language
that humans express their thoughts, desires,
emotions and feelings. Further, humans can
interact with each other easily through the
welfare of language.
Language as Medium of Communication
Primarily, language is the instrument of
communication and dissemination of
information, ideas and emotions. It forms
the link between diverse groups and
generations and helps in the transmission
of knowledge. Thus language as a means of
communication and thinking helps people
to interact with each other and share their
ideas, feelings etc.
9. Language is human and structurally complex
Human language is open-minded, extendable and
modifiable on the other hand animal language is
not. No species other than humans have been
endowed with language.

10. Language is unique, complex and modifiable


Language is a unique phenomenon in the world.
It has creativity and productivity. Despite their
common features and language universals, each
language has its peculiarities and distinctive
features.
Functions of Language
1. Instrumental
It used to express people's needs or to get
things done
2. Regulatory
This language is used to tell others what to do
3. Interactional
Language is used to make contact with others
and form relationship
4. Personal
The use of language is used to express feelings,
opinion, and individual identity.
5. Heuristic
This is when language is used to gain knowledge
about the environment
6. Imaginative
Language is used to tell stories and jokes, and to
create an imaginary environment
7. Representational
The use of language to convey facts and
information

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