According to Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), language serves multiple functions in

communication. SFL views language as a social semiotic system, meaning it is a resource for making
meaning and conveying messages within a social context. The key functions of language according
to SFL are:

1. Ideational Function: This function focuses on the expression of ideas, experiences, and the
representation of reality. Language enables us to convey information about the world, describe
events, express thoughts, and communicate knowledge. The ideational function is realized through
the use of grammatical systems such as transitivity (subject, verb, object), mood (indicative,
imperative, etc.), and modality (certainty, possibility, etc.).
2. Interpersonal Function: Language serves the interpersonal function by managing social relationships
and interactions between individuals. It includes expressing attitudes, emotions, opinions,
establishing social roles, negotiating meaning, and engaging in social rituals. The interpersonal
function is realized through features like mood (e.g., indicative, interrogative), modality (e.g., degrees
of certainty), and pronouns (e.g., first-person, second-person) that convey speaker's stance and
address listeners.
3. Textual Function: The textual function focuses on the organization and cohesion of language to
create coherent and cohesive texts. Language is used to structure information, establish logical
connections, and create discourse coherence. The textual function is realized through features such
as cohesion (e.g., referencing, conjunctions), theme and rheme structure, information packaging, and
text genres (e.g., narratives, explanations).

These three functions work together in every act of communication, and their realization varies
across different linguistic contexts and genres. By analyzing the functions of language, SFL aims to
uncover the underlying meanings and social purposes that language serves in different texts and
contexts. It provides a framework to explore the relationship between language, society, and the
individual.