Definitions 1 Jakobson's

Question 1

Human language allows for unplanned communication. Speakers can generate an infinite variety of novel utterances on the spot.

Answer 1

Spontaneity

Question 2

Human language enables communication about things not present in the immediate context, including past, future, or abstract concepts.

Answer 2

Displacement

Question 3

The connection between linguistic symbols (words) and their meanings lack inherent, direct relationships. Example: The word “dog” does not inherently resemble the actual animal; the association is based on convention and shared understanding.

Answer 3

Arbitrariness

Question 4

Human language has rules governing how elements (words, phrases) are combined to convey meaning. Example: The grammatical order of a sentence, such as subject-verb-object order, influences meaning and interpretation.

Answer 4

Structure

Question 5

Speakers can create and understand new and novel expressions, extending beyond fixed, memorized phrases. Example: Crafting a unique sentence or story that has never been uttered before.

Answer 5

Creativity

Question 6

Language is passed down through generations within a community, allowing for the transmission of knowledge, beliefs, and cultural identity. Example: Learning a language from parents or community members and inheriting linguistic features that reflect cultural values.

Answer 6

Cultural Transmission

Question 7

What are Jakobson’s six factors (separate from functions)?

Answer 7

context, message, addresser, addressee, contact, code

Question 8

The situational and cultural background in which communication occurs. Example: Saying “It’s hot in here” in a room without temperature control.

Answer 8

Context

Question 9

The person sending the message (the speaker or writer)

Answer 9

Addresser

Question 10

The person receiving the message (the listener or reader).

Answer 10

Addressee

Question 11

The channel or medium through which communication occurs. Example: Written communication through letters or emails. Explanation: The chosen communication channel influences the form and style of the message, affecting how it is received and understood.

Answer 11

Contact

Question 12

The shared system of language and symbols is used in communication. Example: Speaking English in an English-speaking community. Explanation: A common linguistic code is essential for effective communication, and variations in the code can lead to misunderstandings.

Answer 12

Code

Question 13

The content or information being conveyed. Example: A sentence expressing a fact or idea. Explanation: The message represents the core information that the addresser is attempting to communicate to the addressee, and its clarity and coherence are vital for successful communication.

Answer 13

Message

Question 14

What are Jakobson’s functions?

Answer 14

Referential, emotive, conative, phatic, metailingual, and poetic functions.

Question 15

“The sun rises in the east.” Explanation: The function focuses on conveying information about the external world. In this example, the statement provides factual information about the sun’s movement.

Answer 15

Referential Function

Question 16

“I feel ecstatic about the news!” Explanation: The expressive function centers on the speaker’s emotions, opinions, or personal experiences. In this example, the speaker expresses their emotional response to the news.

Answer 16

Emotive Function

Question 17

“Close the door, please.” Explanation: The function emphasizes the influence on the listener, aiming to prompt a specific action or response. In this case, the speaker is directing someone to close the door.

Answer 17

Conative Function

Question 18

“How are you?” or “Nice weather today.” Explanation: The function serves social or interpersonal purposes, often used to establish or maintain communication rather than conveying specific information. The examples are typical expressions in social interactions.

Answer 18

Phatic Function

Question 19

Defining a word during a conversation. Explanation: The function is concerned with clarifying or explaining language itself. In this example, the speaker is providing a definition to ensure a shared understanding of a particular term.

Answer 19

Metalinguistic Function

Question 20

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” Explanation: The function focuses on the artistic and aesthetic aspects of language, where the form of expression is significant. This example is from a Shakespearean sonnet, highlighting the use of language for its artistic and creative qualities.

Answer 20

Poetic Function