Functions of Language Smt Pratibha Mishra Reader In
Functions of Language Smt. Pratibha Mishra Reader. In English KHEMUNDI COLLEGE, DIGAPAHANDI The stepping stone for fair communication.
What is language? Language is the most unique gift of God to man. Man has been using language as a tool of communication for centuries. It has enabled him to interact with the environment and to regulate his social behaviour. Though communication is affected through several means such as graphs, charts, maps, traffic signs, gestures, smoke signals, language is the most widely used instrument.
Functions of Language: Descriptive Language Functions Expressive (expressing anger, happiness, attitude) Social (Greetings, Request, Apologies, Commands etc)
Descriptive Function The narrow street was crowded with people. Old men lent on sticks side by side wither mothers holding babies; teenagers chatted in a relaxed way; and above them the balconies were crowded with spectators. Vendors of sweets, soft drinks and peanuts made their way through the throng. It is an example of descriptive function of the language. Some more instances can be found in the following: ● ● Travel writing Biography, autobiography and other writings about people Diary and personal letter Technical and scientific works
Writing Description In writing a description, availability of information is very important. Information can be obtained through careful research, mixture of research and memory as in travel books, pure memory and reflection. Here background knowledge and the needs of the audience are taken into consideration.
Expressive Function (Expressing feelings, emotions and attitude) ● Interjection - Oh what a beautiful present! - Alas! I am lost in the wilderness. - Wow, what a fantastic goal! (great surprise) - Ow, I am hurt. (pain) - Ugh, what a dirty place. (disgust) ● Exclamation - What a wonderful time we have had! - What a girl! - How funny! (she is)
Contd. ● Emphatic so and such - The place was such a mess! - I didn’t know he was such a nice man! ● Repetition (degree = extremely) - This house is far expensive - You bad, bad boy (naughty) ● Emphatic Negation ( We can intensify a negative sentence by adding at all, either directly after the negative word or in a later position in the sentence. ) - You didn’t speak to us at all. Other negative intensifiers - a bit, whatever - They were not a bit considerative. - You have no excuse whatever.
Contd. ● Fronted Negation - Never have I seen such a crowd. (formal) - Not a single a word passed her lips. ● Influencing People Direct Command - Shut the door, follow me. Expressing obligation and prohibition - You must be careful. - You must not smoke in the public place
Social Function Social use of Language ● Greetings - Good morning/ afternoon/ evening - Hello. Hi (familiar) ● Farewells - Goodbye - Bye-bye - See you - Cheers
Contd. ● Other remarks may be added for politeness - It’s been nice knowing you. - (I hope you) have a good journey. - Greetings on introduction. - How do you do? (formal) How are you? - Glad to meet you. Hello (informal) - Hi. ● Thanks, apologies, regrets - Thank you. Thanks very much. - Many thanks. - Responses - Not at all. You are welcome. - That’s all right.
Contd. ● Apologies - I am sorry. I beg your pardon. Excuse me. ‘Excuse me’ is an apology in American English but in British English is limited to mild apologies for routine, impolite behaviour. ‘I beg your pardon’ - for mishaps such as treading on someone’s toe. ● Responses to apologies - That’s all right. Please don’t worry. ● Regrets - I am sorry, I couldn’t come to the meeting. - I regret that I was unable to come. ● Good wishes - Good luck! - Have a nice day.
Contd. ● Seasonal greetings - Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. - Happy birthday. Many happy returns. ● Congratulations - Well done! ● Condolences - Please accept my deepest sympathy. ● Offers - Would you like another helping of curry ?
Conclusion: ● These are the various functions of language, which are used by the people to serve their purpose in different situations. ● Although animals also communicate among themselves, language is the most effective system of communication. ● The animals cannot communicate any other message, they only emit a limited number of signals; whereas the humans emit an infinite number of signals.
Questions ? Feedback? Thank you!
References: ● Communication English and Business Communication by Dasa Pati Khuntia. ● Wikipedia. ● Open Library.
- Slides: 15