FIRTAC + others

Question 1

F

Answer 1

function: The purpose of a text or piece of language. What is it trying to achieve?

(e.g., to persuade, to inform, to entertain).

Question 2

I

Answer 2

Intention-The writer’s/speaker’s aim in creating the text. What do they want to happen as a result of their communication?

(e.g., to convince you to vote for them, to make you laugh, to teach you something).

Question 3

R

Answer 3

Register- The level of formality in language use. How formal or informal is the language itself? (e.g., formal register uses complex sentences and avoids slang; informal register uses simpler sentences and slang).

Question 4

T

Answer 4

Tenor- The relationship between the writer/speaker and the audience. How formal or informal is the connection? (close or open)

(e.g., formal between a boss and employee = professional and distant, informal between friends = casual and friendly).

Question 5

A

Answer 5

Audience- : The intended readers or listeners of a text. Who is the text aimed at?

(e.g., children, experts, the general public).

Question 6

C

Answer 6

Context- The situation surrounding a text. What are the circumstances in which it was created and received?

(e.g., historical events, cultural norms, the immediate environment).

Question 7

Referential Function

Answer 7

Description, contextual info, conveys info, presented as factual/objective

Question 8

Poetic Function

Answer 8

focuses on the message itself and how it’s expressed. It’s when language is used for its own sake, emphasizing beauty, sound, and creative wordplay rather than just conveying information.

Question 9

Phatic Function

Answer 9

creates/maintains connections between 2 people, text is meaningless outside of social context
example: texting–> “no way!”

Question 10

Emotive Function

Answer 10

Interjection/expressions of emotional state

Question 11

Conative Function

Answer 11

concerned with demanding, involves direction, questions, or commands
example: “go on, open it!” “Get out of here now!”

Question 12

Metalinguistic Function

Answer 12

Requires language analysis/ is using language to discuss language
example: “water is a non count noun right?”

Question 13

Mode

Answer 13

Definition: The channel of communication being used (e.g., spoken, written, multimodal). It also refers to the way language is organized to suit the channel.

Example: A spoken conversation has a different mode than a formal written essay.

Question 14

Field

Answer 14

Definition: The subject matter or topic of the text.
Example: The field of a real estate advertisement would be “real estate”