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What is language?
The term Language can be defined in different ways as follows:
Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols and signs that are conventionally used for human communication
OR
Language is the conventional system of arbitrary vocal symbols used by human beings for communication
Language is defined a rule-governed system for human communication. The traditional areas of linguistic inquire are phonology (sound system), morphology (word formation), syntax (word order), semantics (meaning), and lexicon (vocabulary)
Functions Of Language
Here we answer the question “what is the language used for?”
The following are among the common functions of language;
1. Communication function
Language is used to facilitate the delivery of information or thoughts from one person to another. For example in class a teacher conveys thoughts/ ideas to students.
Communication is the most dominant function of language.
2. Phatic function
Here the language focuses on establishing contacts, relations and maintaining good social relationships
Expressions such as good afternoon, how do you do, hi and other forms of greetings are common in daily interactions of the people.
Therefore this function does not focus on communicating but it maintains good social relationships among the people.
3. Referential (Descriptive) function
This function focuses on talking about facts or experiences.
E.g.
Amina was born in 1986
The sun is hot today.
4. Poetic function
This is the artistic use of language. In literature for example meanings of words are narrowed or widened by using figures of speech.
E.g. – Receive tones of greetings from Mama Mwashambwa.
He was as black as charcoal.
Jane is indeed an angel of this village.
Functions Of Language – English Language 1 Notes Form 5 & 6
5. Regulatory function
Language is sometimes used to warn or impart discipline into the minds of the people
For example, political leaders use this language when asking for votes. Again religious leaders use this function as they preach
6. Performative function/ Declarative function
It is employed in occasions like wedding ceremonies, church masses and court of law.
This is the function that changes the state of affairs in the world. For instance when an authorized person declares, “I pronounce you husband and wife”, “I sentence you to seven years imprisonment”, “I baptize you in the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit,” “I officially declare the meeting open”; the state automatically becomes so.
Therefore, here the language is said to have performed or declared.
7. Recording function
This is the function of language which serves as something important in the future. Language is used for documentation/ recording. For example the language of the Bible, Koran and that of legal documents serve this purpose.
8. Emotive function
Language is used to express personal emotions. For example interjections such as ; oh!, wow! And gosh! Are used to express people’s emotions.
9. Metalinguistic function
This is the function of language whereby language is used to talk about itself.
For instance we use metalinguistic function to describe different aspects of language such as word classes, nature of language, pronunciation and so on.
NOTES 2: Functions Of Language – English Language 1 Notes Form 5 & 6
FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE
Human beings can use language for different purposes,The following are the major function of language
1. Referential / communicative function
This is the use of language to convey factual or non-factual information
I.e. human being use language to communicate with each other to pass information from each other
2. Expressive or emotive function
This is the use of language to express feelings, emotions or attitude. Man can convey his emotions by screams, grunts, sobs and gestures, but still needs language for confirm or elaborate those signals. Thus report feeling or attitudes of the writer or speaker or of the subject, or evokes feelings in the reader or listener fall under this function.
3. Cognitive or Directive function
This is the use of language for the purpose of influencing the behavior of others e.g. to command them to do something, request them warm them. Thus language is used for the purpose of causing (or preventing) overt action. This is the most important function of language, it impart factual information and commands. Passing information is absolutely necessary e.g:- asking and answering questions, reading instructions etc.
4. Phatic or interrogation function
This is the use of language to establish or maintain good social relationship among human beings
E.g. Greetings, cheering-up etc. Uses phrases like “nice day today”, “how do you do”. Think of this situation; Gorge coughs.Then his friend Musa says “Bless you”. This has got no any informative content but intended to link people and make coexistence peaceful and pleasant.
5. Poetic or athletic function
This is the use of language for pleasure of mind (asthetic) use language in its beauty pleasure.
I.e. language is used for entertainment
e.g. Reading a certain literature for enjoyment, language used in theater for performance – the use of language in artistic way.
6. Meta linguistic function
This is the use of language to talk about language.
I.e. Language for its own sake or the use of language to explain other language concepts.
E.g. we are now learning language.
7. Imperative or Declarative
This the use of language for the purpose of declaring something
E.g. Language used in ceremonies, meetings, courts of law, church masses
8. Regulatory function
Use of language for the purpose of warning or imparting discipline to the people been spoken to and thus used in order to win peoples respect
For example the language used by religious leaders
