Language and its Functions Flashcards
signifier and signified
The signifier is the physical form of the sign, such as a word, image, or sound, while the signifier refers to the concept or meaning associated with the signifier. For example, the word “tree” (signifier) represents the concept of a large, woody plant (signified).
Hockett’s Design Features
- Mode of communication
- Broadcast is directional
- Semanticity
-Arbitrary
-Displacement
Mode of communication: For humans this is either vocal-auditory (spoken) or tactile visual (signed). For animals we add chemical-olfactory to the list (e.g. animal pheromones).
Broadcast is directional: A message of human language is directed towards someone. Whereas animal communication is usually radiant (e.g. bird cries, territorial markings).
Semanticity: The units of human language are symbolic in that they stand for something other than themselves (e.g. tree = an actual tree). Animals use non-symbolic animal communication (e.g. barking).
Arbitrary: there is no real relation between the signifier (word) and signified (what it refers to). Rather we as humans assign this meaning. E.g. we have decided that this particular set of symbols ‘tree’ represents a well … tree.
Displacement: Human language is used to communicate things that are not about the here and now. Animal communication is typically restricted to the here and now (e.g. baboons showing their behind during mating periods).
Language functions: conative function
The conative function typically involves directions, questions and commands.
examples:
Could you please pass the salt?
Get out!
Language functions: poetic function
The poetic function focuses on the formation of the message itself, rather than
on the addresser or addressee. It is sometimes referred to as the aesthetic
function because it concerns the beauty or wit of the text’s composition.
Examples:
Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive.- Sir Walter Scott
Language functions: phatic function
Texts that have a phatic function are designed to create and maintain social
connections between the addresser and the addressee. These messages tend
to be somewhat meaningless outside a social context and the focus is
on the way the message is delivered and received.
For example:
when an acquaintance asks how your day has been, or if you’ve had a nice
weekend, an honest answer is rarely expected; usually a polite, general, positive
response is required.
Language functions: metalinguistic function
A text that has a metalinguistic function describes language itself, such as using
the metalanguage ‘nouns’ and ‘vowels’.
examples:
Examples
A potato cake? Is that the same as a potato scallop?
Do you understand what I’m saying?
This sentence is short.
Always capitalise proper nouns.
Language functions: referential function
the referential function is the sharing of
information with an intended audience. This information may or may not be true,
but the language user presents the message as factual and objective, commonly using declarative sentences (sentences that function as a statement rather than as a question or command).
Examples:
The sky is not blue.
Summer is when the weather is very hot.
His heart is broken
Language functions: emotive function
The emotive function allows users to express emotions and desires. It’s
sometimes referred to as the expressive function. This function usually relates to
the addresser and their presentation of emotion - real or not.
Examples:
Argh, you stepped on my toe!
That was a fantastic movie.
tenor
The relationships between participants in a communicative
exchange.
cultural context
Aspects of the context that relate to the culture in which the
author/speaker and/or audience exists. These include attitudes,
values and beliefs of the author/speaker and/or audience.
situational context
Everything outside of a text that shapes the language used
within the text. This includes the field, tenor, language mode,
setting and text type.
register
Register describes the way in which an addresser intentionally alters their
language to better suit the situation . It can involve all features of language and levels of formality
examples:
frozen, formal, consultative, casual, and intimate.
language mode
The medium of the text - whether it is written or spoken.
setting
Where a text is placed in relation to space and time, i.e. its
physical surroundings and when it occurs
authorial intent
What an author intends to do or achieve with a text. This
influences the language used as well as the text’s level of
preparedness.
