Why do we speak and write? The functions of expression and language
you will characterise the functions that can be used in language
you will indicate the dominant function in a text (expressive, impressive, informative and poetic)
you will create statements using particular functions
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One of the most important features which differentiate humans from animals is our ability to communicate by using words, which can serve a variety of purposes. Therefore, the statements we make can fulfil different functions.
Consider the goal of the sender in the examples below. Select the correct answer.
Example 1
A statement by a weather presenter that says: "the influence of high pressure will guarantee us mild weather in Monday. Most of the sunny weather will be in the south, there will be light snow in the north" is aimed at:
- Expressing joy that the weather is improving
- Encouraging listeners to go outside
- Informing us about atmospheric conditions
Example 2
The exclamation "there's a fire!" is aimed at:
- Expressing negative emotions in connection to a fire that has been observed
- Informing someone that a fire has been noticed
- Making others take action, such as escaping, calling the fire brigade, putting out the fire
Example 3
A speaker who says: "What a view!" in watching a sunset over the Pacific Ocean, has as their goal:
- to inform others that they like the view
- to express delight in the extraordinary view
- to persuade oters to look at the view of the setting sun
Note the following elements that appeared in the previous exercise: informing someone about something, expressing emotions, inducing someone to do something. These show which function is dominating in the statement.
Expressive functions.
Informative
This involves conveying some information about thoughts, feelings and facts. This means that the goal of the sender is to inform the receiver about something. This function is characteristic of scientific and popular scientific styles (eg a science article, entry in an encyclopedia) ahd the press (news, informative articles).
Expressive
This is the means of expressing the sender's emotions, speaking about feelings and their attitude to reality. It is dominant in congratulations, condolences and can be seen in diaries and letters. A typcial example of the use of this function are lyrical works.
Persuasive (impressive)
Such expressions involve persuading the receiver to do specific actions, enable their views to be shaped and influence their attitudes and behaviors. It is used in requests, orders, bans, commands, demands and appeals. It is dominant in advertising, guides, instructions and argumentative texts such as court addresses, political speeaches or sermons.
Creative (poetic)
This draws the receiver's attention to the text itself. It is focussed on being original, on the creation of a work of art and the aesthetics of the words, being to amaze and enchant. Texts that fulfil this function (mostly literary) use metaphors and other stylistic methods.
Look at the pictures and state the language function used in the situation shown. Then turn over the card and see if you are correct.
| {image#Ilustracja przedstawia otwartą książkę; wewnętrzny układ jej tekstu to kolumny.} | Informative |
| {image#Ilustracja przedstawia zaadresowaną kopertę, na ktorej leżą kwiaty} | Expressive |
| {image#Ilustracja przedstawia złożoną gazetę} | Informative |
| {image#Ilustracja przedstawia otwarty notatnik, w którym zapisano coś ozdobnym pismem} | Creative |
| {image#Ilustracja przedstawia kobietę, która mówi do megafonu} | Impressive |
| {image#Ilustracja przedstawia stojących w rzędzie żołnierzy. Do jednego z nich pochyla się dowódca i coś krzyczy} | Impressive |
Which function dominates in the following genres and forms? Drag and drop to the appropriate place.
advertising leaflet, cover letter, name day acknowledgement, summary, compliment, expression of condolence, report, business card, CV
| Informative | |
|---|---|
| Impressive | |
| Expressive |
Which functions are dominant in the statements below? Work in pairs.
Expressive, Impressive, Informative
| Argentina borders with Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay | |
| My head has been sore since morning and I feel very sad. | |
| In two columns behind the commandant: fall in! |
You can also get acquainted with descriptions.
Group A:
statement using the informative functioninformative function
statement using the expressive function
Group B:
statement using the expressive function
statement using the impressive function
Group C:
statement using the impressive function
statement using the informative function
Keywords
function, intention, statement
Glossary
funkcja wypowiedzi
intencja wypowiedzi
funkcja informatywna
funkcja ekspresywna
funkcja kreatywna
funkcja impresywna
odbiorca
nadawca
komunikat
wypowiedź
tekst