1.

Introduction

Language plays a very important role in human lives. People use language according to
their situation. The social background of any person can play an important role in the kind
of language he has. One of the main goals of language is to communicate with people and
to understand them. When someone speaks, he intends a specific purpose. He wants to
convey a message through that language. A person uses his language to many different
purposes for example, to express his feelings, to ask for help and to apologize. This paper
is going to discuss these functions. Language is very important factor of communication
among society. Using language has some functions. We need to use language to fulfill our
needs. It is a crucial part in our life. If a person uses his language, he chooses words that
matches his needs.

2. Discussion

Due to their diversity the functions of language might be divided into two
categories: micro functions which refer to specific individual uses, and macro
functions which serve more overall aims.

2.1. Micro functions:

 Physiological function (releasing physical and nervous energy)

Although it might be striking this use of language is fairly common. It is easily

recognizable when devoted fans of sports are observed while watching their favourite
discipline on TV. Such fans often shout instructions, express support, or disappointment
and while as a means of communicating with sportsmen they are useless, such cheers are
to release repressed energy. Similarly curse words are used to serve this purpose, as they
rarely convey any meaning and are only to make the speaker feel better.

 Phatic function (for sociability)

The use of such phrases as ‘nice day today’, or ‘how do you do’ is characterized by lack
of any informative content and is intended to link people and make the coexistence
peaceful and pleasant. The phatic use of language is characteristic mainly of speech,
however, in certain types of writing it can also be noticed, as in letters for example, where
the beginning Dear Sir/Madam and ending Yours faithfully also serve that purpose.

 Recording function

Recording function denotes using language to make a durable record of things that ought
to be remembered. Owing to its omnipresence writing is probably the most significant
function of language. There is evidence that the first writing system was developed in the

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Middle East as early as 4000 BC. At the beginning writing systems took forms of pictures
representing the things they referred to, gradually developing into the alphabets in their
present forms.

 Identifying function

Language is used also to identify the objects and events in the world we live in. Without
this function language would be almost useless, as it is thanks to the names of things that
we know what is talked about. Many primitive societies unable to write believe that names
hold great power. Even in western culture names are thought to be immensely important:
the God’s name ought not to be used in vain, before giving a name to a newborn child
parents consider the choice deeply. We use names to classify different types of things,
whether we call a car anautomobile, a lorry, a van or a truck makes a big difference.

 Reasoning function (instrument of thought)

Before we say something we think and to do that we necessarily use language. In most
cases it is extremely difficult to think about anything without any use of words. In fact is
it also difficult not to think for a longer period of time as human brains work all the time
processing information, thus providing us with concepts formulated by means of
language.

 Communicating function

This function would probably be pointed at by most language users without major
consideration. Indeed it is in all likelihood most commonly used language function by
majority of speakers. Requesting, apologizing, informing, ordering as well as promising
and refusing are all reasons for communicating our ideas.

 Pleasure functions

The fact that language often gives pleasure both to the speakers and listeners is not only
supported by the frequent use of assonance, alliteration and onomatopoeia in poetry.
Depending on the sounds of languages some are perceived as being mild as English for
example, others crude as German. People also derive pleasure from unusual use of
syntactic rules, as well as novelties of meanings juxtapositions and language games, which
is often used by skilful writers.

2.2. Macro functions:

 Ideational function

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Ideational function refers to the conceptualizing process involved in our mental activities.
Thanks to language we are able to understand what happens around us.

 Interpersonal function

Interpersonal function emphasizes that language is mainly a social phenomenon, but apart
from enabling communication with other people it enables to project the speaker in the
desired way and to represent the speaker.

 Poetic function

Here, the word poetic does not refer to the ability to write poetry, but the ability to
manipulate language in a creative way. With the use of jokes and metaphors we can play
with words and meanings simply for joy.

 Textual function

Textual competence refers to our ability to create long utterances or pieces of writing
which are both cohesive and coherent. Unlike animals people, by use of certain linguistic
devices, are able to produce long sentences and text, and not only simple phrases.

The above mentioned functions are only one point of view on language. Most certainly
there are many other functions that natural languages fulfill, yet depending on approach
to this issue the number of functions and their names might vary.

2.3. Language fuctions according to Geoffery Leech( 1974 )

Actually, Geoffery Leech( 1974 ). Mentioned that language has five functions. They are:

 Informational
I am going to discuss every function. “Informational function which every one
tends to assume is most important” Geoffery Leech( 1974 ). In fact, this function
concentrates on the message. It is used to give new information. It depends on truth
and value. Let us look at this example, the car is big, the bus is crowded.

 Expressive
” language can have an expressive function: that is, it can be used to express its
originator’s feelings and attitudes – swear words and exclamations are the most

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 obvious instance of this”. Geoffery Leech( 1974 ). The speaker or writer of this
function tries to express his feelings. He or she reflexes his or her impression. This
function could give a clear image for the personality of the speaker or writer. The
best example of this kind is Poetry and literature . In fact, this function evoke
certain feelings and express feelings. Examples of this kind are, I am very happy
or I spent a wonderful vacation. We can see from the previous examples that they
reflex the feelings of the speaker or the writer.

 Directive
“The third function of language is the directive function whereby we aim to
influence the behavior or attitudes of others. The most straightforward instances
of the directive function are commands and requests. This function of social
control places emphasis on the receiver’s end, rather than the originator’s end of
the message: but it resembles the expressive function in giving less importance, on
the whole, to conceptual meaning than to other types of meaning, particularly
affective and connotative meaning” Geoffery Leech( 1974 ).

Examples of this kind are, I want a cup of tea or close the door. It is clear hear that,
we use the language in a direct way. We ask someone to do something. Some times
we can use a sentence to express two functions. For example, I am thirsty. The
previous example could be used to show the condition of the speaker or writer or
to express the feeling. In a way that a person asks someone to give him water.

 Aesthetic
The fourth function is the aesthetic function, which is ” the use of language for the
sake of the linguistic artifact itself, and for no purpose. This aesthetic function can
have at least as much to do with conceptual as with affective meaning” Geoffery
Leech( 1974 ). ” The function associated with the message-the vehicle-is the poetic
or aesthetic function: the sign taken as an end in itself. All art understood as art is
taken to embody this function, and any object valued for its beauty rather than for
its ideological value or usefulness-whether a gorgeous car, an elegant teapot, or
some acreage of untouched real estate-takes on this function. Although Jakobson,
perhaps more precisely than anyone who preceded him, showed how the aesthetic
function could hinge on structure, he argues that cultural norms ultimately
determine the dominance of this function. As a striking demonstration, he notes
that the aesthetic status that one generation accorded only to the poems of Karel
Mácha, a subsequent generation accords only to his diaries. Jakobson, R.
(1933)”.

 Phatic
According to Leech, the fifth function is the phatic function. ” the function of
keeping communication lines open, and keeping social relationships in good repair

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 ( in Britain culture, talking about the weather is a well-known example of this)”.
Geoffery Leech( 1974 ). We can say about this function that it is used for normal
talks. An example of this, when two people meet each other accidently in a place.
They start talking about something unimportant for the sake of communication
like, how are you? How is your children? And so on. We can say that it is a kind
of daily talking. It is not meaning but is good.

2.4. Functions of language in general

a) Expressive and Communicative Functions:

The most basic function of language as we can guess, is that of the expressive function,
an attempt to express a sudden change of state, fear, delight, pain or confusion. Whatever
it is, such an expression is not a deliberate, conscious expression, but a spontaneous,
immediate response not directed towards any other object.

Incidentally, in many cases this also serves as a communication to other members of the
group or species, particularly in situations of danger. Most probably, these functions are
automatic instinctual functions, and found in lower organisms also. However, at the
human level, the communicative role assumes more crucial importance.

b) Interpretative Functions:
It may be seen that when a particular occurrence or expression serves as a stimulus to
others it also serves a function of becoming aware of interpreting a particular situation.
Thus, the cry of one animal in the face of danger is interpreted by other members of the
species. The interpretative function is very obvious at the human level.

The interpretative function serves to restore a state of cognitive equilibrium. While the
stimulus itself creates a condition of uncertainty or novelty, the interpretation serves to
clarify the situation and restore the equilibrium. Such an interpretation helps to place the
information in an appropriate position or slot in one’s cognitive world.

Thus, when an offspring gets separated from the mother and suddenly finds her again the
sound that may be made is different from the one that would have been made if a strange
animal is seen. The sounds on the two occasions, may be phonetically similar, but there is
a difference in the meanings of the two sounds meaning in a very elementary sense.

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One may question whether one can attribute qualities like meaning, cognition, etc. to
animals. But one may also ask why not? Human bigotry particularly, that of the social
scientists has prevented them from being objective and honest. Thus, the second major
function of the language is to help the organism to interpret and organise cognitive
experiences and position them in one’s cognitive world.

c) Control Function:
When one talks of the function of control, there emerges a social dimension apart from
the individual dimension. Gradually, as associations get established between certain states
of existence and a stimulus on the one hand and certain sounds, there results a
reproducibility of a reaction. Thus, the child cries when he is hungry or suffering from
pain. This cry in turn makes the mother, or even the animal mother to rush and help. Here
is the beginning of control.

The cry brings the mother’s attention and hope, and in later years the attention of those
who are dear and close and those who are in a position to support. This is the first
experience of mastering the environment and ability to control. Here it may be seen that
at simple levels, this control function may not be deliberate and conscious, but as one
grows and the environment becomes more organised, the control function of language
becomes more and more central.

All of us feel comfortable to talk to a person if we know his name. Whenever we meet a
familiar face, we feel comfortable if we can remember his name. The importance of words,
slogans, and ‘clarion calls’ in controlling the people and mob is too well-known to need
any extensive discussion.

d) The Functions of Remembering and Thinking:

Imagine our being able to think and remember without the use of words. It is almost
impossible to recall or remember or think without the use of words and therefore,
language. It is language, which helps us to encode experiences, store them and retrieve
and decode. It is language, which helps us to translate experiences into thought and engage
in processes of different types.

e) The Discovery of One’s Name:

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One of the important milestones in the development of the child is the discovery that he
or she has a name and, this is the beginning of the sense of self- identity which leads to
feelings like me, mine, others, not me, etc. The discovery of one’s name plays a very
crucial role in the overall psychological development of the individual.

It is the beginning of self-identity, and an attempt to look at oneself as an object. It is this

which essentially makes for a difference between human organism and the non-human
organism and between a very young child and an adult and mentally disturbed adult.

This issue of formation of self-concept and self-identity has been examined in greater
detail elsewhere but the important point to remember is the very critical role played by
language in the development of the self and overall psychological development.

f) Social Functions of Language:

In addition to these individual functions, language performs a very important social
function. While promoting a sense of personal identity language also serves to develop a
sense of social identity, a sense of belongingness to a particular group, marking out
different degrees of social proximity and distance.

All of us belong to social groups speaking the same language. Similarly, the national
anthem which is nothing but a set of words creates and maintains a sense of social identity.
However, sometimes, this sense of social identity if it is very narrow, can result in social
conflicts and confrontations between different groups.

g) Creative Functions:

Language plays a very crucial role in imaginative and creative activity. Is it possible to
think of writing a novel or poetry without language? Language, then not only helps us to
control and regulate our cognitions but also enables us to break free and engage in creative
imagination. Here again, paradoxically, language also contributes to the emergence of
very ‘creative’ delusions and belief systems in the mentally ill.

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 3. conclusion

On the whole, one can see the very critical and crucial role played ‘by language in our
life. It is perhaps, impossible to think of any place or situation in life where one can
function without the help of language. Apart from the common functions of expression
and communication, the psychological and social functions played by language are very
crucial and are becoming more and more important in today’s world.

This discussion of the functions of languages is rather brief, and has been attempted only
to highlight the major functions. Perhaps, one can highlight many more functions of
language. No wonder, freedom of speech is regarded as the most fundamental right.