Functions of language

**muhamedr** · 02-11-2010, 07:48 PM

FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE:
Language has 5 functions:
1. Informational function:
2. Expressive function: it can be used to express its originator's feelings and
attitudes.swear words and exclamations are the most obvious instances of this.
3. Directive function: it can be used to influence the behavior and attitudes of
others, such as commands and requests.
4. Aesthetic function: the use of language for the sake of the linguistic artifact itself.
5. Phatic function: keeping communication lines open and keeping social
relationships in good repair. Here, the communicative work done by language is
at its lightest: it is not so much what one says, but the fact that one says it at all,
that matters.
Speech Act Classification:
1. Commissive: a speech act that commits the speaker or doing something in the
future such as a promise or a threat.
If you don't stop fighting, I'll call the police. (threat)
I'll take you to the movies. (promise)

2. Declarative:
a speech act which changes the state of affairs in the world. e.g:
during the wedding ceremony the act of marriage is performed when the phrase
I now pronounce you man and wife is uttered.
3. Directive: a speech act that has the function of getting the listener to do
something, such as a suggestion, a request, or a command. E.g.:
Please sit down.
Why don't you close the window.
4. Expressive: a speech act in which the speaker expresses feelings and attitudes
about something, such as an apology, a complaint, to thank someone, to
congratulate someone. E.g.:
The meal was delicious.
5-Representative: a speech act which describes states or events in the world such as
an assertion, a claim, a report. e.g.:
This is a German car