Halliday’s functions of speech

Question 1

Instrumental

Answer 1

Fulfil a need (e.g. ‘want milk’)

Question 2

Regulatory

Answer 2

Influence the behaviour of others (e.g. ‘pick up’)

Question 3

Interactional

Answer 3

Develop and maintain social relationships (e.g. ‘love you’)

Question 4

Personal

Answer 4

Convey individual opinions, ideas and personal identity (e.g. ‘me like Charlie and Lola’)

Question 5

Representational

Answer 5

Convey facts and information (e.g. ‘it hot’)

Question 6

Imaginative

Answer 6

Create an imaginary world and may be seen in play predominantly (e.g. ‘me shopkeeper’)

Question 7

Heuristic

Answer 7

Learn about the environment (e.g. ‘wassat?’)