Five Functions of
language
According to Geoffery Leech (1974), there are five
main functions of language. We mentioned all these
five functions at the beginning. Now, let’s take a closer
look at each one of them.
1.Informational function:-
It can be considered most important, since it
helps us deliver messages, describe things,
and give our listener new information. Actually,
message is a word that describes this
function best. The informational function is
also related to such terms as a truth and a
value.
2.Expressive function
We need such function every time we want to
express our feelings. There are words that are
used to express attitudes and feelings, which
don’t deliver any particular information. Obvious
examples of such words are swear words, as
well as various exclamations. This function of
language is used not to deliver a message, but
to express feelings and impressions.
3.Directive function
is used to induce certain actions or
reactions. The example of such a function
is a command. Another example of this
function is a request. Here affective and
situational meanings of a phrase are more
important than a general meaning, which
makes this function somewhat similar to
the expressive function. The directive
function is a function of social control and
interpersonal interaction.
4.Aesthetic function:-
According to Leech (1974), this function doesn’t
have any particular purpose. Here words and
sentences are considered as linguistic artifacts.
This function serves neither as a request nor as a
message. The aesthetic function helps us use
words as a tool of a poetic art, and as certain
signs. Here the beauty of chosen words and
phrases is more important than usefulness of
this information. For the sake of such a function,
we use different adjectives, such as “gorgeous”,
“elegant”, “stunning”, and so on.
4.Phatic function.
The only purpose of such a function is to
maintain social relationships, and to begin, or
continue the conversation. A well-known example
from British culture is a small talk about the
weather. Such a kind of talk doesn’t provide us
with any necessary information. It even doesn’t
express our feelings, but it helps us to interact
with people.
Every time we meet somebody on the street,
we can talk about the weather, or work, or
children, it doesn’t matter. The real reason for
such a talk is not our interest, but simply our
desire to talk.
