Basic Functions of Language

1. Basic Functions of Language UNIT – 3 CHAPTER – 1 FUNDAMENTALS OF LOGIC 1 D. R. GIRI, CAMAD COLLEGE

2. Major Language Functions: D. R. GIRI, CAMAD COLLEGE

3. Language Function: Meaning • Language is used in a great varieties of ways • e.g. for greeting, sharing information, expressing one’s feelings and emotions, directing, introducing and so on. • So language function refers to the language used for different purposes. Or • For what purpose the language has been used? Such as above examples. D. R. GIRI, CAMAD COLLEGE

4. 1. Informative Language Function: • The language used with the purpose of giving information can be called informative Lg. Function. • In informative mode, we distinguish between facts a sentence formulates and the facts about the speaker who formulates them. • For Example: a) Moving due east from the centre of Dacca, the first foreign country one encounters is not Myanmar, nor China, nor Laos, nor Vietnam; it is India, namely the state of Tripura and then Mizoram. D. R. GIRI, CAMAD COLLEGE

5. Contd… b). The southernmost point in India is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the northernmost point in India is in Jammu and Kashmir, easternmost point in India is in Arunachal Pradesh, and the Westernmost point in India is in Gujarat. 2. Expressive Language function: • The use of language for expressing one’s feelings and emotions or thoughts can be called expressive language. D. R. GIRI, CAMAD COLLEGE

6. Examples: • “That’s really great!” • We may say; and the poet, overcome by beauty of an ancient city, channels his emotions in writing these lines: Match me such marvel, save in Eastern Clime (climate)- A rose –red city – “half as old as time.” • Similarly: Sleep, my Beloved, sleep! Be patient! – we shall keep Our secret closely hid Beneath the coffin-lid. D. R. GIRI, CAMAD COLLEGE

7. 3. Directive Language Function: • The use language that seeks for guide or to command. E.g. • “Step on the scale, please,” • We may be told or we may receive this good advice. • “Drive carefully. Better late than never.” D. R. GIRI, CAMAD COLLEGE

8. 4. Ceremonial language: • The language used for public relation like introducing with strangers e.g. “How do you do?” 5. Performative Language function: Language in which words themselves serve, when spoken or written, to perform the function they announce. E.g. “I Congratulation you, ..” “I accept your offer, …” , “I promise that ….” I apologize for my foolish remark.” etc. D. R. GIRI, CAMAD COLLEGE

9. Language Forms: • Use of language must be distinguished from the forms of language. • these several uses of language (informative, expressive and directive) are implemented using different forms. D. R. GIRI, CAMAD COLLEGE

10. Contd… D. R. GIRI, CAMAD COLLEGE

11. Contd… A) Declarative form: • When we are reasoning, our sentences are in declarative form. B) Interrogative Form: • When we are asking questions; wh- questions or Yes/no questions. C) Exclamatory form: • When we are expressing our emotions and feelings e.g. “That’s fantastic!” D. R. GIRI, CAMAD COLLEGE

12. Contd… • D) when we are seeking to direct conduct our sentences are likely to be imperative in form e.g. “Take off your shoes!” but there is not strict connection between language functions and forms. D. R. GIRI, CAMAD COLLEGE

13. Thank You D. R. GIRI, CAMAD COLLEGE