The function of language simply means the purpose of language in the community. This post is going to explain the seven functions of language in the community we live.
1. Communication or referential function
The main function of language is communication. We use language to convey and share information and knowledge from each other.
2. Persuasive or connotative function
We can use language to convince people to accept our opinions, ideas and perceptions. For example, politicians use persuasive language to convince people to vote for them.
3. Emotive or expressive function
Language is also used to express feelings, emotions and attitudes. For example, angry, excited, surprised, sad etc.
4. Phatic function
Language is sometimes used to create positive relationship with others. For example, expressions like good morning, hello, how are you and Hi! do not convey any message but aims at creating good relationship amongst people.
5. Thinking function
We also use language in our thoughts. Whether we are planning or judging in our heads, it's really hard to think without using language.
6. Poetic function
Language is also used in literary works such as poetry, proverbs and sayings. Literally language is not used in a day-to-day (routine) human communication.
7. Metalinguistic or Metalanguage reflectiveness function
Language is used by linguists to describe the language itself.
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