Microsoft Word Revised Syllabus Ver doc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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7 
 
LESSON - II 
 
THE FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE 
Language is a communication tool. With this tool, we communicate our ideas and, 
indeed, this must surely be the most widely recognized function of language. Whenever we 
tell people about ourselves or our circumstances, or ask for information about other and 
circumstances, we are using language in order to exchange facts and opinions. The use of 
language is often called, ‘referential’, ‘prepositional’ or ideational; Language scholars have 
identified several other functions where the communication of ideas is a marginal or 
irrelevant consideration.
Emotional Expression 
 
Emotive language can be used whether or not we are alone. Swear words and 
obscenities are probably the commonest signal to be used in this way, especially when we are 
in an angry or frustrated state. But there are also many emotive utterances of a positive kind, 
such as our involuntary verbal reactions to beautiful art or scenery, our expression of fear and 
affection, and the emotional outpourings of certain kinds of poetry. 
The most common linguistic expressions of emotion consist of conventional words or 
phrases and the semi-linguistic noises often called interjections. Also an important function 
of the prosody of language is to provide an outlet for our attitudes while we speak.
Social Interaction
The use of phrases such as Good Morning, or Pleased to meet you, and ritual 
exchanges about health or the weather do not ‘communicate ideas’ in the usual sense. 
Sentences of this kind are usually automatically produced, and stereotyped in structure. They 
often state the obvious, for example Lovely day or have no content at all, for example Hello. 
They certainly require a special kind of explanation, and this is found in the idea that 
language is here being used for the purpose of maintaining rapport between people. This 
social function of language is referred as phallic communication. It arises out of the basic 
human need to signal friendship or a least lack of enmity.