Functions of Language:

Micro function vs. Macro Function

 Micro functions of Language
• Halliday viewed language as a cultural
code that teaches us how to be part of
society, rather than simply a method of
communication.
• Halliday viewed language as a cultural tool
rather than just a communication tool.
 Micro-Functions of Language
• Michael Halliday, a prominent linguist, proposed
a functional approach to language known as
Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL).
• In 1975, Halliday published his 'seven functions of
language', which describes the way children use
language, referring to these as 'developmental
functions' or 'micro functions'.
• The seven functions of language:
• instrumental, personal, regulatory,
interactional, imaginative, representational, and
heuristic.
 Micro-functions of Language:
instrumental
• 1. Language is instrumental
• Language is used to fulfil needs or desires,
such as requesting food or comfort.
• For example:
• "I want," "Can I have," "I need“ etc…
• When a child is thirsty they might say
something like 'I want bottle'. If the carer
gives them the bottle then their needs have
been met through their use of language.
 Regulatory
• 2. Regulatory
• Language is used to command, persuade, or
request someone to do something, controlling
their behaviour. Regulatory language controls the
listener's behaviour (the speaker adopts a
commanding tone). Examples include

• "Let's go home now," "You need to finish that

work by tomorrow," "Can you give me the report
from yesterday?"
 Interactive
• 3. Interactive:
• Language is used to form relationships,
express emotions, and strengthen bonds with
others. It shows the communicative function
of language. We relay on our thoughts and
emotions, strengthening bonds with those
around us. For example:
• "I love you, mom," "Thank you so much"
 Personal
• 4. Personal
• Language is used to express personal opinions,
emotions, and identity, as well as to seek
information about the world.

• "Me good," "Me happy," "What's that?“

• Questions like 'what's that?' or 'what does
that mean?' are examples of personal
language function.
 Heuristic
• 5. Heuristic
• Language is associated with discovery and
explanation, often through questions and
self-narration, usually in the form of questions or
a running commentary (when the child talks
about what they are doing as they are doing it.

• "The horsey goes over to the dinosaur and says

hello," "What's that?"
 Representational
• 6. Representational
• Language is used to request and relay
information between people, exchanging facts
and experiences. It describes the exchange of
information between two or more people.

• "What's that?" "What does that do?" "I was

walking down the street and a cat jumped out
in front of me."
 Imaginative
• 7. Imaginative
• Language is used in storytelling and
imaginative play, creating fictional scenarios
and characters.
• When children tell stories and create
imaginary friends or concepts in their heads,
it is an imaginative way of using
language. Imaginative language usually occurs
in leisure or play scenarios.
 Macro-functions of Language
• Macro Functions
• 1. Ideational Function:
Ideational function refers to the conceptualizing
process involved in our mental activities.

• 2. Interpersonal Function:
Interpersonal function focuses on that language is
primarily a social phenomenon. It also enables to
project the speaker in the desired way and to
represent the speaker.
 Macro-functions of Language
3. Poetic Function:
• It refers to speaker’s ability to manipulate
language in a creative way as in poetry or comedy.
-With the use of jokes and metaphors we can play
with words and meanings simply for joy.
4. Textual Function:
• It includes speaker’s ability to create cohesive and
coherent utterances or writings.