After having studied the main properties of language, we will now see its main functions. When talking about functions of language, we make reference to the purposes for which people use language.
On this terms, one of the most widely known classifications of functions of language is the one proposed by Roman Jakobson in his article “Linguistic and Poetics” (1960), in which he distinguished six functions that corresponded with the six factors involved in verbal communication (addresser, message, code, context, contact and addressee). Those functions are:
1. Referential function. Is the basic function of the language and refers to the context in which the message is sent.
2. Emotive function. A direct expression of the speaker’s attitude toward what he or she is speaking about. It corresponds with the addresser.
3. Conative function is directed to the addressee. Language is used to receive a response, behaviour or information.
4. Phatic function refers to the social function of language, which proves whether the channel works or whether the contact is still there.
5. Metalingual function is used whenever the addresser and the addressee need to check whether they use the same code, and when the language is used to speak about language itself.
6. Poetic function focuses on the message for its own sake.
Moreover, Halliday grouped all these functions into three metafunctions:
1. The ideational function is to organize speakers’ or writers’ experiences of the real or imaginary world, expressing content and communicating information.
2. The interpersonal function is to indicate, establish or maintain social relationships between people.
3. Finally, the textual function serves to create written or spoken texts which cohere within themselves and which fit the particular situation in which they are used.
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