USES OF LANGUAGES
Definition – A language is a system of communication which consists of a set of
sounds and written symbols which are used by the people of a particular country or
region for talking or writing. To be précised Language is the use of a system of
communication which consists of a set of sounds or written symbols.
There are two types of language :
1. Spoken Language
2. Written Language
Differences between writing and speech
Written and spoken languages differ in many ways. However some forms of writing are
closer to speech than others, and vice versa. Below are some of the ways in which these two
forms of language differ:
Writing is usually permanent and written texts cannot usually be changed once they
have been printed/written out.
Speech is usually transient, unless recorded, and speakers can correct themselves and
change their utterances as they go along.
A written text can communicate across time and space for as long as the particular
language and writing system is still understood.
Speech is usually used for immediate interactions.
Written language tends to be more complex and intricate than speech with longer
sentences and many subordinate clauses. The punctuation and layout of written texts
also have no spoken equivalent. However some forms of written language, such as
instant messages and email, are closer to spoken language.
Spoken language tends to be full of repetitions, incomplete sentences, corrections and
interruptions, with the exception of formal speeches and other scripted forms of
speech, such as news reports and scripts for plays and films.
Writers receive no immediate feedback from their readers, except in computer-based
communication. Therefore they cannot rely on context to clarify things so there is
more need to explain things clearly and unambiguously than in speech, except in
written correspondence between people who know one another well.
Speech is usually a dynamic interaction between two or more people. Context and
shared knowledge play a major role, so it is possible to leave much unsaid or
indirectly implied.
Writers can make use of punctuation, headings, layout, colours and other graphical
effects in their written texts. Such things are not available in speech
Speech can use timing, tone, volume, and timbre to add emotional context.
Written material can be read repeatedly and closely analysed, and notes can be made
on the writing surface. Only recorded speech can be used in this way.
Some grammatical constructions are only used in writing, as are some kinds of
vocabulary, such as some complex chemical and legal terms.
Some types of vocabulary are used only or mainly in speech. These include slang
expressions, and tags like y'know, like, etc.
The Purpose Of Language :
1. Expressive Purposes- when language is used simply to express ones’s feeling without
trying to effect change in an audience or elicit response.
For Eg: diaries and journals.
2. Informative Purposes- Language is used with the intention of conveying information to
others.
For Eg: textbooks, newspaper
3. Cognitive Purposes- Language is employed with the intention of affecting the audience in
some way to evoke a response.
For Eg: jokes, political speeches
4. Poetic Purposes- Language used in imaginative way is poetic.
5. Phatic Purposes- Language used with the intention of maintaining contact among people.
6. Met linguistic Purposes- The use of language to comment on, refer to or discuss language.
EMOTIVE LANGUAGE
What Is Emotive Language?
Emotive language is the deliberate choice of words to elicit emotion (usually to influence).
Ideas can be expressed non-emotively. For example:
The men were killed.
However, they can also be expressed in a way that is positive or negative or welcoming or
threatening. It all depends on the words selected. For example:
The victims were executed in cold blood.
Purpose Of Emotive Words
1. To provide greater emotional impact on readers
2. To influence the readers and listeners to make a point
3. To create a sense of awareness amongst the readers.
