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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.

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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?