Functions

TKT Part 1 class Unit 5 Functions

What is the purpose of language use?

This is simple: COMMUNICATION!

Communication involves a combination of acts, a series of elements with purpose and intent.

When participating in a conversation, we usually have a communicative purpose and the listener is interested in discovering what the purpose is.

Language Functions ďƒź As the Cambridge Dictionary definition indicates, a function is the purpose. If we adapt this meaning to language functions, then... ďƒź Language functions are the purposes for what the language is used.

What do you think an exponent is?  An exponent is the language we use to express a function.  An exponent may communicate several reasons or functions based on the situations they are conveyed.  Moreover a function can be stated through different exponents.

Spratt,et.al. (2005:18)

Exponent

Function: introducing someone

According to Spratt (2005) there are three levels of formality formal, informal and neutral.

1. Formal register or language is used in official or important situations, e.g. in a job interview, in ceremonies.

2. Informal register or language is used in relaxed or friendly situations, e.g. in a party with friends.

3. Neutral register is used in between formal and informal situations, e.g. in a family gathering.