Verbal communication – Cont’d
LAST WEEK, we explored the characteristics of language. This week, we will look at the main purposes of language. Language serves a variety of purposes or functions. Some of which are:
THE INFORMATIVE PURPOSE
This refers to the fact that language is used to inform or to communicate. Language, therefore, is used to communicate ideas, feelings and general information in order to inform. Examples of language being used to inform are textbooks, legal documents, news reports, this communication studies lesson, et cetera.
THE EXPRESSIVE PURPOSE
This is also referred to as the reflective purpose. This facilitates the expression of emotions, as one can use language to vent and to share feelings through both speech and writing. It may take the form of poems, songs, stories, plays and so on. This is why that creative section of your internal assessment is called the ‘Reflective Section’. Please bear in mind that in addition to expressing feelings, language used in this way can also evoke feelings in others. You write a poem to your favourite relative telling him/her why he/she is your favourite and you gush out sentiments of love and admiration. Your relative may express to you how the poem made him/her feel and also express that the feeling is mutual.
THE DIRECTIVE PURPOSE
When language is used to give direct commands or instructions or make requests, that’s the directive purpose at work. It can also be used to provoke responses from persons such as in political debates and church sermons. This form of directive language use is also called the cognitive function of language.
THE SOCIAL PURPOSE
Language is often used to facilitate social interactions, so daily greetings of ‘Good morning’, ‘What a lovely day it is today’, and so forth, can be considered ‘conversation starters’. Although a response is not necessary, it may just be the opening you need to start interacting with someone. This is also referred to as the phatic purpose of language.
THE IDENTIFYING PURPOSE
Ever notice how your ears perk up when you have travelled far overseas and you hear that familiar Jamaican talk? Very often it is more than just the accent. We, Jamaicans, have an absolutely unique way to express ourselves. We immediately identify the speaker as being ‘one of our own’ by virtue of his/her speech. This describes the identifying function of language. Language can help to reinforce our sense of belonging, not just to a country, but also to social groups. Teenagers use language differently from many adults, ‘yuhzime’? Based on the way I write these articles, you may be able to make a guess about just how far I am from my teenage years. LOL! Slogans, anthems, chants, et
cetera, also help to identify you as belonging to certain groups.
THE RITUAL PURPOSE
Certain rituals, traditions, ceremonies and religious practices make use of particular words, phrases, chants for conducting the various observances. This use of language helps to maintain order and structure. Examples of this include the Lord’s Prayer, The Apostle’s Creed, popular Psalms, and such the like.
Please note that language use is a very dynamic thing and, therefore, it is very unlikely that one purpose would operate in isolation of all others. They tend to overlap, but usually he is more dominant that the other(s).
Based on Sean’s response, identify one function of language.
List THREE functions of language other than the social function, and list an occasion when EACH of these functions of language would be used.
Thanks for the feedback! Keep ‘em coming!!!
Next week, we will look at types of discourse !!!!