Language and It's Purpose

What is language?

A system of communication using sounds, symbols, and mental processes.

Why is language important?

It allows people to communicate, express ideas, and influence others.

List the purposes of language.

Expressive, Informative, Cognitive, Poetic, Phatic, Metalinguistic.

What is the expressive purpose?

Used to express feelings or emotions without trying to influence others.

What is the informative purpose?

Used to give or share information.

What is the cognitive purpose?

Used to influence or affect the audience’s thoughts or feelings.

What is the poetic purpose?

Used to focus on style, creativity, and structure of language.

What is the phatic purpose?

Used to maintain social interaction (e.g., greetings, small talk).

What is the metalinguistic purpose?

Used to talk about or analyze language itself.