The Functions Of Language | The Basic Functions Of Language

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The Functions Of Language | The Basic Functions Of Language

Imagine for a second that you are an online student. You are at home, writing out the final copy of an assignment you have been working on for some days. It is late at night but you are determined to finish it.

The assignment has to be posted tomorrow. You reach for your ruler, and as you bring it towards your page, you knock over your mug of coffee. It runs all over the assignment pages, soaking them in a sticky brown liquid.

You swear loudly, then repeat the swear words, exclaiming at your own stupidity.

What is the function of language used in this instance? You are not communicating with another person, because you are alone in the room. You are communicating intrapersonally, but you are also using another function of language : the expression of emotion.

Using emotive language is a means of ‘letting off steam’, or expressing how we feel when we are under stress. In the example just given, the emotions expressed are negative because it’s anger and/or frustration.

However, you could just as well exclaim with delight or admiration if you saw something beautiful, or saw someone doing something with great skill.

In what situations is language used most freely for the expression of emotions, and which languages are used? You probably thought of social situations involving home, family, friends, colleagues or even strangers.

What language do you use to describe an emotional work situation when you get home in the evening? If you have children, what language do you use in your interaction with them, especially in situations involving emotion?

Now, let’s try something else…

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Imagine that you are walking along the pavement and see someone a few metres away whom you recognize, but do not know well. You lift your hand in greeting, call out ”Hi, How are you doing?” and carry on walking.

Here again, language cannot be said to be performing the function of communicating ideas, because you are not really saying anything meaningful, nor do you necessarily expect a meaningful answer to your question.

The point? Language is often used, not for any communicative purpose, but to maintain relationships between people. Different cultures have different ‘rules’ for what is considered acceptable language behaviour in specific social situations.

Different social situations will call for different kinds of verbal behaviour. When you are with friends you have known for a long time, you will probably be very comfortable and relaxed and will use informal language, but in other perhaps more prestigious social gatherings you may be much more formal, and you will find that you are much more conscious of the way you speak.

Is there any meaning, for example, in the common English question ”How are you?” Do people expect the stock reply ”Fine, thanks!”, or do they really expect a detailed description of the other person’s state of health? (Errr, okay perhaps we shouldn’t answer that one!)

Such common examples of language use demonstrate that the most obvious purpose of language is to enable communication and merely a way to oil the wheels of social interaction.

Sometimes people use words just for the pleasure of hearing or making the sounds, or for other effects. It can be phrases, jokes, tongue-twisters, songs, even really silly songs like ”Pineapple pen”.

Remember when that song first aired? Yeah, the whole world does because people of all ages enjoyed the silliness and it gave pleasure just to irritate others.

The power of human voice is engaged in various ways. This use of language could encompass any of the entire range of sounds that the human voice is capable of making.

The power of sound is a driving force behind us all. Think about a group of labourers who chant while working or the great power from spectators’ voices at a soccer match. Although deafening and not communicating one-on-one at all, it still makes sense.

In some instances, a belief in the magical or sacred power of language plays a big role in some religious contexts. In other cases, using language in this way has the effect of bringing about a new psychological or social reality. Consider the following:
”I now pronounce you husband and wife”
”I baptise you…”
”I swear to tell the truth…”

This type of language is used to do or to change something. Somehow, pronouncing a certain verbal formula makes an occasion “real”.

However, when someone uses language to do or change something, what is said may not always be called “true” or “untrue”, since the words spoken may not always be a statement of fact.

Why is it sometimes important to extract a promise from someone, and to actually hear them speak the words ”I promise…?” Why, in many countries, does a witness in court have to verbally take an oath before giving evidence?

Do these situations reflect our deeply-rooted belief that words somehow have the power to bind the speaker to their promise or oath? Is this how we have been conditioned (whether good or bad)? Is it wrong? Is it right? I don’t know, but’s it’s powerful indeed!

A difficult issue arises in a workplace, where an employee believes his/her rights have been infringed upon. When investigating the case, the employer consults lawyers who study the laws embodied in the Constitution.

The Constitution contains highly organized, clear, and explicit information, which has been written down to serve as a guide for all citizens. What use of language is the Constitution?

This is a very important use of language in society and is obviously linked to the development of writing. It’s purpose is to record facts and to state guidelines. It’s communicating a solution to problems that (is supposed to be) fair.

That’s the much we can take on the topic “The Functions Of Language | The Basic Functions Of Language”.

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O3SCHOOLS TEAM