THE FUNCTIONS

OF LAGUAGE:
REFERENTIAL, EXPRESSIVE OR EMOTIVE, APPELLATIVE OR COGNITIVE, PHALLIC OR CONTAC,
METALINGUISTIC, POETIC OR AESTHETIC.
THE FUNCTIONS OF
LANGUAGE
introduction
THE FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE
The functions of language make up a communication process that, to be analyzed,
involves other areas of study of great importance such, as linguistics, communication,
and even psychology, among others.

Therefore, the functions of language go beyond the action of transmitting and

receiving an oral or written message, and this is because communication must fulfill
the purpose of sharing information, opinions, feelings, desires, orders, among others.

JACKOBSON AND THE FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE

Roman Jackobson was a theoretical researcher who carried out important studies on
language and communication. One ofi his most outstanding articles is "Linguistics and
poetics", (1960).

The main purpose of Jackobson's studies was to determine the poetic nature of
language, which is why he gave great importance to the difference forms used in
language to express a message, idea, feeling or opinion.
 referential function
This function is based on the use of language to refer to all the external
factors that are part of the communication process, which allow verifyng
the objectivity and veracity of the message and its relationship with the
referent and the context.

the referential function is the most predominant in the communicative

act, its purpose is to transmit and make known the issuer contributing his
opinion about it.
 EXPRESSIVE OR EMOTIVE FUNCTION
the emotive function, also known as expressive or symptomatic
function, is one that is focused on the states of mind, fellings
and the "i" of the issuer.

For example, "what a beautiful night!", "Today i feel great!", "I

really miss you!". these messages from the sender express a
felling towards something in particular.
 APPELLATIVE OR COGNITIVE
The appellative or cognitive function is that in which the sender hopes to
generate a reaction in the receiver and influence his behavior.

The appellative function is usually used in colloquial language, in

advertisements or in political contexts in which extensive use is made of
evaluative adjectives and it is sought to influence the vehavior of others.

For example, "please, can you open the sale?", "Read the text and answer
the questions below", "Look at me when i'm talking to you", "Finish dinner
and go take a bath".
 PHALLIC OR CONTAC
PHALLIC OR CONTAC
THE PHALLIC FUNCTION OR CONTAC IS ONE THAT FOCUSES ON THE
COMMUNICATION CHANNEL USED BY THE SENDER AND RECEIVER, IN ORDER TO
VERIFY ITS OPERATION AND START, PROLONG OR INTERRUPT COMMUNICATION.

IN THIS SENCE, THE PHALLIC FUNCTION OF LANGUAGE IS NOT PRECISELY TO

INFORM, BUT TO VERIFY THAT THE COMMUNICATION CHANNEL WORKS
CORRECTLY BETWEEN THE THE SENDER AND THE RECEIVER.

FOR EXAMPLE, THE FOLLOWING WORD, FILLERS OR PHRASES ARE USED TO

CONFIRM THAT THE CHANNEL WORKS OR THAT THE INTERLOCUTOR IS PAYING
ATTENTION, "HELLO?", "OK", "DO YOU KNOW?", "SAY", "OF COURSE",
"NATURALLY", "OKAY", "AS I WAS TELLING YOU", AMONG OTHERS.
METALINGUISTIC FUNCTION
The metalinguistic function is concerned with the language code.
In this case, both the sender and the receiver reflect and analyze
the language in wich they communicate, generally in order to
clarify any doutbt, make a suggestion or correction, or even offer
a definition.

therefore , extensive use is made of quotation marks, for

example, '"He" is a pronoun and "the" is an article",'grandma,
what does "incredulous" mean?, 'i don't understand what you are
talking about, do you what is "numerology"?, among others.
 POETIC OR AESTHETIC FUNCTION
The poetic or aesthetic function of language is based on the form of the message , on the literary
resources and on the styles used to place greater emphasis on the information that is transmitted, it is
customary to use in literary works.
The main incentive of the linguist Roman Jackobson to study and determine the functions of language
was precisely the poetic and aesthetic function that surrounds the message.

Poems, rhymes, puns and sayings are examples of the poetic function of language, however, this does not
mean that this function is limited only to the literary area, it can also be used on any occasion. The
important thing is that the message catches the recipient's attention and generates a reaction.
" He who gets married, wants to get married", "In the blacksmith's house, a wooden knife", "There is no
evil that does not come for good", "Her lips are as red as a rose, but her words are as hard as a rock”,
“Love is a remedy for the soul”, “His gaze has a spell, don't look at me because it scares me” , among
others.
The subject of the functions of the language, in addition to being exciting in itself, is an important part of
the thematic contents of the entrance exams, both at the high school and university level, so mastering
the characteristics of the functions of the language will also help you It will allow you to enter your high
school and university of your choice.
Members:
Litzy Vianey Córdoba Domínguez
Ingrid Amairany Ventura Meneses
José Alfredo Sánchez Avalos
Ana Luisa Peralta Ulín
THANKS