Unit 4: functions of the language

Introduction to linguistics

Functions of language

Humans use language for an almost infinite number of purposes. However, there are a number of recurring functions which, despite the many different uses we make of language, are generally being served.

Funtions of language (types)

They can be distinguised between macrofunctions and microfunctions.

Macrofunctions

Relate to the larger, more general purposes underlying language use.

Macrofunctions (types)

The ideational function, the interpersonal function, the poetic function and the textual function.

Metafunctions

Macrofunctions are called metafunctions following the linguist Michael Halliday. A metafunction is one which is capable of describe one or more other functions.

The ideational function

It is that function in which we conceptualise the world for our own benefit and that of others. In a sense, we bring the world into being linguistically.

The ideational function (process)

There is a common mental or conceptualising process involved.

The ideational function (microfunctions)

It includes:

The reasoning function

The recording function

The identifying and classifying function

The interpersonal function

It is concerned with the ability to bring ourselves into being linguistically, that is, with the relationship between ourselves and other people or things.

The interpersonal function (sense of identity)

We gain much of our sense of identity, of what and who we are, from our relationship with both animate and inanimate things.

The interpersonal function (microfunctions)

It includes:

The communicating function

The phatic function

The physiological function

The ideational function and the interpersonal function (relation)

It is possible for people to be able to perform the interpersonal function very well, without necessarily being able to perform the ideational function so well.

This is because there are those whose interpersonal skills and general ability to project themselves are quite developed, but whose conceptual powers and level of understanding may be limited. And vice versa.

The poetic function

It means the ability to bring the world into being linguistically as an area of play to bring delight to ourselves and to others.

The poetic function (devices)

Through metaphors, jokes and rhythm we express our own creative freedom.

Macrofunctions and competences

These 3 macrofunctions relate very broadly to the competences: grammatical, communicative and creative.

Linguistic competence

It is a mix of competences which all individuals possess and which are basic to the fulfilment of a few overarching and central functions.

The textual function

It is in a way the most purely linguistic function in that it is related to our ability to construct texts out of utterances and writings.

Using language to bring texts into being linguistically.

The textual function (an aspect of the communicative function or a textual competence)

It can be seen as an aspect of the communicative competence since the purpose of most texts is to communicate.

However, we are looking at a distinct skill which involves a range of linguistic competences. Therefore, it is perhaps best understood as textual competence.

Microfunctions

Cover the particular individual uses.

7 microfunctions

1. The physiological function

2. The phatic function

3. The recording function

4. The identifying function

5. The reasoning function

6. The communicating function

7. The pleasure function

Physiological function

To release nervous/physical energy generated by emotional distress.

Physiological function (purpose)

It serves no communicative purpose, but it allows us to release pent-up energy which otherwise would be quite intolerable.

Physiological function (use)

Words are not being used for any conceptual content they may have. They are essentially meaningless.

Physiological functions (examples)

A great deal of what so-called “bad language” or swearing fulfils this function. / Instructions shout to the television while watching sports.

Phatic function

For purposes of sociability.

Phatic function (use)

Use language for no other reason than simply to signal our general disposition of being sociable.

Phatic function (meaningless)

Speech for its own sake, essentially formulaic and meaningless. Semantically empty language can none the less be socially useful.

Phatic function (in creating and maintaining social links)

Phatic language acts as a form of social bonding and fulfils important contact uses: it helps us negotiate the start and end of exchanges.

Phatic function (limitation)

An entire conversation made up of ritualised exchanges would be tedious.

Phatic function (spoken vs written)

Phatic use of language is mainly spoken but there are some written equivalents such as the conventionalised phrases for starting and ending letters.

Recording function

To provide a record of things we wish to remember. It is the most official use of language.

Recording function (types)

It might be a short-term record (as in a shopping list) or a long-term record (as in a diary).

Recording function (development of language)

It is the most significant function behind the development of language from simply being an oral medium to becoming a written one.

Codability

It can be defined as the degree to which an aspect of experience can be described by the vocabulary of the language.

This means that languages differ in the degree to which they provide words for the description or naming of particular things, events, experiences and states.

Codability (example)

English speakers make a distinction between “blue” and “green”, whereas some languages have a single word for this colour range.

Identifying funtion

To identify and classify things.