I.ThreeBasicFunctionsaregenerallynotedthereisperhaps.docVIP

I. Three Basic Functions are generally noted: there is perhaps nothing more subtle than language is, and nothing has as many different uses. A. Without a doubt, identifying just these three basic functions is an oversimplification, but an awareness of these functions is a good introduction to the complexity of language . B. The Functions of Language i.e., its purpose; what it does; its uses 1. Informative language function: essentially, the communication of information. a. The informative function affirms or denies propositions, as in science. b. This function is used to describe the world or reason about it e.g.., whether a state of affairs is true or false . c. These sentences have a truth value; hence, they are important for logic. 2. Expressive language function: reports feelings or attitudes of the writer or speaker , or of the subject, or evokes feelings in the reader or listener . a. Poetry is one of the best examples, but much of, perhaps most of, ordinary language discourse is the expression of emotions, feelings or attitudes. b. Two main aspects are generally noted: 1 to evoke certain feelings and 2 to express feelings. c. Expressive discourse, qua expressive discourse, is best regarded as neither true or false. E.g., Shakespeares King Lears lament, Ripeness is all! Even so, the nature of fictional statements is an interesting area of inquiry. 3. Directive language function: language used for the purpose of causing or preventing overt actions. a. The directive function is most commonly found in commands and requests. b. Directive language is not normally considered true or false although a logic of commands have been developed . c. Example: Close the windows. II. It is rare for discourse just to serve only one function; even in a scientific treatise, discursive logical clarity is required, but, at the same time, ease of expression often demands some expression of attitudes. A. Most ordinary kinds of discourse is mixed. Consider t