The 15 Functions Of Language, Explained And With Examples
The main function of language is to communicate, however, depending on the type of statement, how it is composed and the purpose behind it, we can talk about different functions of language.
There are many models that appeared throughout the 20th century to specify what the functions of language were. Great linguists such as Roman Jakobson, John Searle, JL Austin among others proposed their own models.
Language is an essential part of human communication and social interaction. It allows us to express thoughts, share information, and connect with others. But language does more than just convey information; it serves multiple functions that are crucial for effective communication and understanding. In this article, we’ll explore the various functions of language, providing explanations and examples for each to illustrate how they impact our daily interactions and relationships.
Next, we are going to expose the main models about the functions of the language explaining what functions they consider exist and giving some examples.
We could define the functions of language as the different purposes with which language is used , that is, the different purposes for which we utter a certain sentence, whether written or oral. The main function of human language is to communicate, however, our type of communication allows us to operate in different ways depending on the type of message we want to transmit or the type of response we want to generate in our recipient.
Language functions can be broadly categorized into several types, each serving a specific purpose in communication. Understanding these functions helps us appreciate the complexity and versatility of language in different contexts.
There are several models of language functions that have been proposed throughout the 20th century. Below we will see these different models and what language functions specifically they talk about.
Functions of language according to Karl Bühler
We have one of the first models to talk about the functions of language in the case of Karl Bühler, model from 1918. This linguist postulated that there were only three functions:
1. Symbolic or representative function
The symbolic function focuses on referent communication, talking about things, beings and relationships in the real world or possible imaginary worlds , of which it accounts or reports objectively using symbols. It is the main function of language, since it is the one that transmits the broadest information. It is the only specific function of the human being.
2. Symptomatic or expressive function
The symptomatic or expressive function refers to the ability to communicate feelings and express them, making use of what in linguistics has been called symptoms (emotional expressions).
The expressive function of language allows individuals to convey their emotions, feelings, and personal experiences. It’s a way to communicate one’s internal state to others.
Explanation
This function is crucial for personal expression and emotional connection. Through the expressive function, we share our joys, sorrows, frustrations, and other emotions, helping others understand our emotional landscape.
Example
Personal Conversations : Telling a friend about a recent achievement or sharing a difficult experience demonstrates the expressive function of language.
Artistic Expression : Poets and lyricists often use language expressively to convey deep emotions and personal reflections.
3. Signaling or appellative function
Through the signaling or appeal function, the interlocutor is influenced by issuing orders, commands, suggestions or questions These sentences, which can be imperative, desiderative and interrogative, are called signs.
These three functions can be given through non-linguistic signs and, as we said, only the referential function is specifically human, since only people can objectively describe a real or hypothetical situation. The other two also occur in animal communication, since other species can emit feelings (show fear, sadness, hostility…) and orders and commands (keep an intruder away from their territory by barking, make sexual insinuations to mate). …)
One of the most famous and widespread models is that of the functions of language proposed by Roman Jakobson in 1958 explaining that there were six aforementioned functions and classified them according to the use of language in the communicative act.
1. Appellative or conative function
The appellative function occurs when The sender emits a message from which he expects a response, action or reaction from his interlocutor It is called “appeal” as long as the sender appeals to a receiver, that is, it is used with the purpose of attracting attention. It can be recognized in everyday life, as well as in advertising and political propaganda.
The appellative function usually uses the following elements: the vocative (calling someone by name or a pronoun), the imperative mood (giving orders) and the interrogative mood (asking questions). Appellative expressions are the grammatical forms of interrogations, exhortations, orders, instructions, threats and requests, to give a few examples.
2. Referential, representative or informative function
The referential function is one in which the sender creates messages related to his environment or to objects external to the communicative act, that is, he describes the world It allows us to transmit information and characteristics of everything that makes up our reality, such as objects, animals, people, events and actions.
This function It is characteristic of informative contexts, scientific discourses and informative documents all of them focused on transmitting knowledge, although it is also constantly used in daily life.
Among the main linguistic resources used in the referential function we have deictics, which are words that serve to indicate specific people, spaces or situations (we, that one, this one, today, yesterday…); the denotative mood, referring to the main meaning of the words; nouns and verbs that make known the information being described; declarative intonation and indicative verb tense.
3. Emotive, expressive or symptomatic function
The emotive function, as its name indicates, It is used for the purpose of communicating and transmitting feelings, emotions, moods or desires of the sender Although in this function there are representative or referential elements, what is most prominent and important about them is the expression of emotionality.
Normally, the person referred to in phrases with an expressive function is the sender himself, so it is normal to use the first person singular (“I am depressed”), although there are also plural ones (“ We are dismayed”) or even apersonal (“What a beautiful day today!”). In addition to using the first person, verbs in the subjunctive mood, interjections and exclamatory sentences are frequently used.
4. Poetic or aesthetic function
The poetic function It occurs when we communicate something but with an aesthetic purpose, trying to make it sound beautiful and with a certain playful air In this function, more importance is given to how the statement is constructed rather than its content and meaning.
Special consideration is given to the form itself and rhetorical figures are used, this function being characteristic of literary texts and also popular forms of discourse. Among them we find popular sayings, tongue twisters, novels, stories, fables, songs, jokes, riddles.
Among the different rhetorical or literary figures that can be identified in expressions with an aesthetic function we find:
Examples of poetic function:
Three sad tigers eat wheat in a wheat field. (Tongue twister)
It seems gold, it is not silver, he who does not know is a fool. (Riddle)
Every cloud has a silver lining. (Saying)
The man was tall and so skinny that he always seemed in profile (Hyperbole)
Each song (poem by Federico García Lorca)
I did not mean. I didn’t want to tell you anything. I saw in your eyes two crazy little trees. Of breeze, of laughter and of gold. They were shaking. I did not mean. I didn’t want to tell you anything.
5. Phatic or contact function
The phatic function of language is used to establish and maintain social relationships. It focuses on the social aspect of communication rather than the content being discussed.
Explanation
Phatic communication helps to build rapport, check the status of a conversation, and maintain social bonds. It often involves small talk or casual conversation that isn’t necessarily about substantive topics.
The phatic or contact function It is focused on validating the communication channel between two interlocutors This function is used to start, maintain and end a conversation.
Examples of phrases with phatic function:
Greeting and Small Talk : Saying “How are you?” or engaging in casual conversation about the weather are examples of the phatic function.
Social Rituals : Participating in customary exchanges like holiday greetings or congratulating someone on their achievements also falls under the phatic function.
The metalinguistic function involves using language to discuss and analyze language itself. It’s about talking about the language we use and clarifying meanings.
Explanation
This function is important for understanding and interpreting language. It allows us to discuss linguistic elements such as grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, ensuring clear communication.
Finally, within Jakobson’s model we have the metalinguistic function. It refers to the use of language to explain the language code, that is, it is the language we use to describe and reflect on our own language This function is activated when explaining aspects of grammar, the meaning of a word, or talking about the functions of the language itself. Indeed, in this article we are using the metalinguistic function.
Examples of metalinguistic function:
Clarifying Terms : Explaining the meaning of a word or phrase to ensure mutual understanding demonstrates the metalinguistic function.
Language Learning : When learning a new language, students and teachers use the metalinguistic function to discuss rules and structure.
Before the letter “p” and “b” it is written “m” in Spanish.
The metalinguistic function is the language we use to describe and reflect on the linguistic code itself.
The longest word in Spanish is “electroencephalografista,” which has 23 letters.
What does “hinny” mean?
Acute words are accented when they end in a vowel or the letters “n” or “s”.
What do you mean by saying “you can’t”?
According to Michael Halliday’s systemic functional linguistics
Michael Halliday’s systemic functional linguistics has questioned several proposals, among them those of structuralist linguists, such as that of Ferdinand de Saussure and Louis Hjelmslev, or that of generativists such as Noam Chomsky, who until then had not allowed a study of combination ” language-speech” simultaneously.
Halliday raises this discussion in his book “Language as social semiotics” (1978) in which he formulates a new point in the linguistics of that time that integrates the sociocultural component as a key in the understanding of language, placing the context as an intrinsic part of this It considers that language is an aspect that occurs at both intra- and interorganic levels, unlike previous proposals that isolated the linguistic phenomenon.
In his particular grammar he postulates various functions of language, which are summarized below.
1. Ideative function
The ideational function represents the relationship between the speaker and the real world around him , including the issuer itself. This function allows us to structure, determine and understand the world and expresses the worldview and experience of the individual.
2. Interpersonal function
The interpersonal function is what allows establishing and maintaining relationships between people, that is, social relationships It is interactive and serves to express different social functions and roles, including them in communication.
3. Textual function
The textual function is instrumental for the previous two. Through this function the language connects with the situation in which it is being used allowing the establishment of cohesive relationships between the parts of a text or spoken discourse and their adaptation to the specific situation in which it occurs.
According to speech act theory
The theory of speech acts by John Langshaw Austin and John Searle, presented in their books “How to Do Things with Words” (1962) and “Speech Acts” (1969) is a model that expands the scheme presented by Jakobson. In this model we do not talk about functions themselves, but rather about speech acts or activities
It is very similar to Jakobson’s model, agreeing on some points but changing the names. The representative function was called the locutionary act, this is what is said; to the expressive illocutionary act, which is what is done at the same time as it is said; and the conative is referred to as a perlocutionary act, which is what is achieved by saying it.
1. Locutionary act
The locutionary acts consist of issuing a statement, that is, pronouncing some words, which are It is a propositional preaching activity, while the statement consists of simply saying something and preaching something about that something. So that we understand it, locutionary phrases would be the following:
The sky is blue.
It hurts me.
I have eaten spaghetti.
Congratulations!
Your mother called you.
It is simply telling us that “the mother” of our interlocutor has called. We only give information, we do not show any type of intention nor do we intend to change the behavior of our recipient.
Within locutionary acts we can talk about three different types of acts:
Phonic activity: the activity of making sounds.
Phatic activity: the activity of uttering words.
Rhaetic activity: uttering words forming a grammatical sequence with a specific meaning.
2. Illocutionary act
illocutionary acts They are intentional and are carried out with a specific communicative function, such as affirming, promising, suggesting. That is, the act is being done at the same time as the statement is being issued. They are related to the speaker’s psychological modality or attitude. The expressions through which an illocutionary act is being done are hundreds.
A perlocutionary act is one that provokes a reaction in the interlocutor, such as convincing, interesting, calming. Thus, it affects the actions, beliefs and feelings of the listener, modifying their behavior and thinking. Some examples, both explicit and more subtle, are the following (hidden meaning is put in parentheses):
Call your mother. (= I order you to call your mother).
We should hurry up, we’re going to be late.
We’re getting late (= let’s go).
Your mother called (= you should call her).
Let’s start putting this puzzle together.
How to Apply These Functions in Communication
Understanding the functions of language can enhance your communication skills and make your interactions more effective. Here’s how you can apply these functions in different scenarios:
In Professional Settings
Informative Function: Use clear and concise language when presenting reports or giving instructions to ensure that information is accurately conveyed. The informative function of language is primarily concerned with conveying factual information. It involves the exchange of data, ideas, and knowledge between individuals.
Explanation
When we use language to share information, we are typically aiming to inform or educate the listener or reader. This function is prevalent in various settings, such as teaching, reporting news, or providing instructions.
Example
Educational Context : A teacher explaining the principles of physics to students is using the informative function to provide factual knowledge.
News Reporting : A news anchor delivering the latest updates on current events uses the informative function to keep the public informed.
Directive Function: Provide specific and actionable instructions to guide team members effectively. The directive function of language involves giving commands, making requests, or influencing the behavior of others. It’s about getting others to do something or act in a particular way.
Explanation
This function is evident in various interactions where one person seeks to guide or direct the actions of another. It is used in both formal and informal contexts to achieve specific outcomes.
Example
Instructional Context : A manager giving instructions to their team on how to complete a project is using the directive function.
Everyday Requests : Asking someone to pass the salt at the dinner table is an example of the directive function in everyday conversation.
In Personal Relationships
Expressive Function : Share your feelings and experiences openly to build deeper connections with friends and family.
Phatic Function : Engage in small talk and social rituals to maintain positive relationships and strengthen bonds.
In Language Learning
Metalinguistic Function : Focus on understanding grammar and vocabulary to improve your language skills and comprehension.
Performative Function : Practice using language in real-life situations to enact actions and achieve specific outcomes. The performative function of language is used to enact or perform an action through speech. It involves making statements or utterances that have an immediate effect or change in reality.
Explanation
This function is often associated with formal or ritualistic contexts where language acts as a tool to carry out actions. It is commonly seen in legal, ceremonial, and performative situations.
Example
Legal Context : Saying “I do” during a wedding ceremony is an example of the performative function, as it legally binds two individuals in marriage.
Official Declarations : Announcing the results of an election or making an official statement involves the performative function of language.
Language is a powerful tool with multiple functions that serve various purposes in communication. By understanding and applying the informative, expressive, directive, phatic, metalinguistic, and performative functions, you can enhance your ability to convey information, express emotions, influence others, maintain relationships, and analyze language. Whether in professional, personal, or educational contexts, recognizing these functions will help you communicate more effectively and achieve your goals.
FAQs
What is the informative function of language?
The informative function of language is used to convey factual information and knowledge. It involves sharing data, ideas, and details to inform or educate others.
How does the expressive function of language work?
The expressive function of language allows individuals to convey their emotions, feelings, and personal experiences. It helps others understand one’s internal state and emotional landscape.
What is an example of the directive function of language?
An example of the directive function is giving instructions or making requests, such as asking someone to complete a task or providing guidance on how to perform an action.
How can the phatic function of language be used in social interactions?
The phatic function is used to establish and maintain social relationships through casual conversation and small talk, such as greeting someone or engaging in friendly exchanges.
What is the metalinguistic function of language?
The metalinguistic function involves discussing and analyzing language itself, such as clarifying meanings, explaining grammar, and ensuring clear communication about linguistic elements.
References:
Berruto, Gaetano J. (1979) Sociolinguistics. Mexico, Economic Culture Fund.
Bühler, K. (1934). Language theory. Madrid: Alianza Editorial, 1985.
Gil, J. (2001) Introduction to linguistic theories of the 20th century. Santiago, Melusina-Ril.
Halliday, MAK (1978). Language as social semiotics. The social interpretation of language and meaning. Mexico: Economic Culture Fund, 1982.
Jakobson, R. (1963). Essais de linguistique générale. Paris: Minuit, 1963.
