Apdlogiclecture3

FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE LANGUAGE It is a body of words, sounds, signs, symbols, and gestures, feelings and thoughts conceived as a means to communicate. It is man’s greatest invention. Thus, sounds, symbols, gestures, feelings, body expressions and thoughts are necessary for the development of language. It is an instrument for man in communicating his ideas, thoughts, emotions and desires.

FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE TYPES OF FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE 1.

EXPRESSIVE FUNCTION – is one which

expresses a certain feeling or emotion. It uses the grammatical form of interjecting sentences. Examples: Ouch! The bite of a dog hurts. Oh the house is on fire! Look! There is an accident!

FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE 2. PRACTICAL FUNCTION – suited for actual activities or useful activities. It involves the practical(practice) use of language. It usually takes the form of imperative/authoritative statements. Examples: Please close the door. Open your books on page 29. Let’s dance!

FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE 3. LOGICAL FUNCTION – used for reasoning, analyzing and judging an argument for clarification and conclusion. This function of language may be used to prove or disprove an argument. Examples: Nobody can swim and eat at the same time. Man is a rational animal. He has the ability to reason, think and judge.

FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE 4.

PERFORMATIVE FUNCTION – realized

when there is a discharge as a duty the task being spoken or presented to anyone or an audience. It is used to fulfil an undertaking. Examples: Yes sir! I will.

FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE 5. COMPLEX FUNCTION – combination of the different functions of language. Examples: 5. She has a pen in her hand. Don’t you think it is better for us to let her take down the minutes of the meeting? 2. You are very good in mathematics. Would you like to be my auditor?